CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 3Pharmacy and Medical PracticesAntibiotic Use and ResistancePharmaceutical Economics and Policy

Prevalence, practice, and determinants of self-medication among the common public in a village of Northern Kerala, India

Open access
G., Narayanan Namboothiri, K. C., Lamees, Latheef, Tamanna, M. M., Thasleema, Muhammed N., Thameem, R., Swathi·2023·International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
DOI 10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20233701
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Background: Self-medication, managing health issues without professional guidance, poses significant risks to individuals and public health. Prevalence rates vary globally, often higher in low-income countries due to limited healthcare access. While self-medication offers cost-effective solutions for minor ailments, it may lead to misuse, adverse effects and financial burdens. Identifying factors driving self-medication is crucial for tailored interventions. This study aims to assess self-medication prevalence, practice, and influencing factors in a Kerala village. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study included 212 participants (≥18 years) selected via convenient sampling. A pre-tested questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, self-medication prevalence, and influencing factors. Self-medication was defined as OTC drug use without consulting a medical graduate. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, with chi-square tests for bivariate analysis (p≤0.05). Results: Participants (mean age: 38.13±15.56) reported 53.8% self-medication. Acute illness individuals self-medicated more (80.7% purchased from independent pharmacies). Time constraints (24.5%) and expired prescriptions (42.1%) drove self-medication. Medication choice was influenced by cost (54.3%), brand reputation (21.1%), and both (24.6%), with pharmacist recommendations (36.0%) playing a role. Self-medication was common among ages 41-60 (64.3%) and those with lower education levels (77.8% primary, 70.5% middle). Acute illness individuals self-medicated more (66%) than chronic cases (34%). Conclusions: This rural Kerala study identifies a 53.8% self-medication rate, affected by age, education, and healthcare preferences. Targeted interventions are needed for ethical self-medication and improved healthcare practices.

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20233701

Cites

1 of 1 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Financial limitations, particularly among low-income populations, make it difficult for people to afford expensive medical consultations and prescriptions.

    “Financial limitations, particularly prevalent among low-income populations, make it difficult for people to afford expensive medical consultations and prescriptions.”

    From Prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [24]

    The Introduction (page unavailable) says high healthcare expenses can make self-medication seem more affordable, and the Conclusion (page unavailable) identifies financial limitations as a reason for self-medication. The paper does not specifically show that low-income people cannot afford medical consultations and prescriptions; its reference to low income concerns countries, not the income of individuals. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Self-medication has become a more accessible and cost-effective alternative for managing health issues in India.

    “Consequently, self-medication has become a more accessible and cost-effective alternative for managing health issues.24,25”

    From Prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [24]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 36

  1. World Self-Medication Industry (WSMI). 2021. Responsible Self-Care and Self-Medication: A Worldwide Review of Consumer Surveys. Available at: https://www.wsmi.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2021/01/WSMI-Review-of-Consumer-Surveys.pdf. Accessed on 15 October, 2023.
  2. Montastruc JL, Bagheri H, Geraud T, Lapeyre- Mestre M. Pharmacovigilance for self-medication. Expert Opin Drug Safety. 2019;15(7):897-900.
  3. Limaye D, Limaye V, Fortwengel G, Krause G. Self- medication practices in urban and rural areas of western India: a cross sectional study. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2018;5:2672-85.
  4. Väänänen MH, Pietilä K, Airaksinen M. Self- medication with antibiotics-does it really happen in Europe? Health Policy. 2006;77:166-71.
  5. Deshpande SG, Tiwari R. Self medication-a growing concern. Indian J Med Sci. 1997;51(3):93-6.
  6. Grigoryan L, Haaijer-Ruskamp FM, Johannes GMB, Reli M, Reginald D, Arjana T-A et al. Self- medication with antimicrobial drugs in Europe. Emerging Infect Dis. 2017;13(12):1607-16.
  7. Grigoryan K, Flora MH-R, Johannes GMB, Reli M, Reginald D, Arjana T-A et al. Self-medication with antimicrobial drugs in the United States. Antimicr Agents Chem. 2006;50(3):876-83.
  8. Kelesidis T. Prevalence of self-medication practices among health care workers in Greece according to the type of health care setting. Prevent Med. 2010;50(6):519-23.
  9. Kumar N. Self-medication practices and associated factors among urban dwellers in Delhi, India. Indian J Community Med. 2018;43(4):275-8.
  10. Bennadi D. Self-medication: a current challenge. J Basic Clin Pharm. 2013;5(1):19-23.
  11. Alhomoud F. Self-medication and self-prescription with antibiotics in the Middle East-do they really happen? A systematic review of the prevalence, possible reasons, and outcomes. Int J Infect Dis. 2017;57:3-12.
  12. Fleming ML. The magnitude of and health system responses to the pharmaceuticalization of daily life in families in the United States. Social Heal Illness. 2015;37(6):917-32.
  13. Selvaraj K, Kumar SG, Ramalingam A. Prevalence of self-medication practices and its associated factors in Urban Puducherry, India. Perspect Clin Res. 2014;5(1):32-6.
  14. Shankar PR, Partha P, Shenoy N. Self-medication and non-doctor prescription practices in Pokhara valley, Western Nepal: A questionnaire-based study. BMC Family Practice. 2002;3(1):17.
  15. Deshmukh V, Verekar M. Evaluation of self- medication practices in rural area of Goa: An observational study. Int J Med Sci Publ Heal. 2018;7(7):560-64.
  16. Lal V, Goswami A, Anand K. Self-medication among residents of urban resettlement colony, New Delhi. Indian J Public Health. 2007;51:249-51.
  17. Durgawale PM. Practice of self medication among slum-dwellers. Indian J Public Health. 1998;42:53-5.
  18. Jimenez-Torres NV, Calderón-Espino D, Cedillo- Cogollo P, González-Robledo MC, Pérez-Ramírez IF. Prevalence and factors associated with self- medication in children aged 8 to 12 years in Cartagena, Colombia. BMC Public Health. 2014;14(1):491.
  19. Montastruc JL, Bondon-Guitton E, Abadie D, Isabelle L, Aurélia B, Grégory P et al. Pharmacovigilance, risks and adverse effects of self- medication. Therapies. 2016;71(2):257-62.
  20. Sarahroodi S, Arzi A, Sawalha AF, Ashtarinezhad A. Antibiotic self-medication among southern Iranian university students. Int J Pharmacol. 2010;6(1):48- 52.
  21. Sharma R, Verma U, Sharma CL, Kapoor B. Self- medication among urban population of Jammu city. Indian J Pharmacol. 2005;37(1):40-43.
  22. Bennadi D. Self-medication: A current challenge. J Basic Clin Pharmacy. 2013;5(1):19-23.
  23. Yousef AM, Al-Bakri AG, Bustanji Y, Wazaify M. Self-medication patterns in Amman, Jordan. Pharmacy World Sci. 2008;30(1):24-30.
  24. El Ezz NF, Ez-Elarab HS. Knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students towards self-medication at Ain Shams University, Egypt. J Prevent Med Hyg. 2011;52(4):196-200.
  25. Hassali MA, Alrasheedy AA, McLachlan A, Nguyen TA, Al-Tamimi SK, Ibrahim MI et al. The experiences of implementing a pharmacy practice research grant scheme in three Asian countries: A qualitative study. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(3):e0213294.
  26. Abay SM, Amelo W. Assessment of Self-medication practices among Medical, Pharmacy, and Health Science students in Gondar University, Ethiopia. J Young Pharmacists. 2010;2(3):306-10.
  27. Grigoryan L, Haaijer-Ruskamp FM, Burgerhof JG, Mechtler R, Deschepper R, Tambic-Andrasevic A et al. Self-medication with antimicrobial drugs in Europe. Emerging Infect Dis. 2006;12(3):452-9.
  28. Al-Azzam SI, Alzoubi KH, Alhusban A, Mukattash TL, Al-Zubaidy S, Alomari NM. Self-medication with antibiotics in Jordanian population. Int J Occupational Med Environm Heal. 2017;30(4):601- 12.
  29. Kotwani A, Wattal C. Study on the drug pricing pattern in India and its implications. J Pharmacol Pharmacotherap. 2011;2(4):275-80.
  30. Zafar SN, Syed R, Waqar S, Zubairi AJ, Vaqar T, Shaikh M et al. Self-medication amongst university students of Karachi: Prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes. J Pak Med Ass. 2008;58(4):214-7.
  31. Jamshed SQ, Ibrahim MIM, Hassali MAA, Masood I, Low BY, Shafie AA et al. Perception and attitude of general practitioners regarding generic medicines in Karachi, Pakistan: A questionnaire-based study. Southern Med Rev. 2012;5(1):22-30.
  32. Saddique R, Muhammad Hussain WM, Ikram H, Qamar ul A, Riaz H. Patients' knowledge, attitude and perception of dispensed medicines in Lahore. City Hospital, Pakistan. Int J Pharmaceut Sci Res. 2018;9(7):2942-6.
  33. Haque M, Rahman NAA, McKimm J, Sartelli M, Dhingra S, Naha K et al. Self-medication of antibiotics: Investigating practice among university students at the Malaysian National Defence University. Infect Drug Resistance. 2017;10:257- 264.
  34. Sado E, Gedif T, Balcha F, Shibeshi W. Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and associated factors in the community of Asendabo town, Jimma zone, southwestern Ethiopia. Canadian J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2019;2019:7898191.
  35. Kassie AD, Bifftu BB, Mekonnen HS. Self- medication practice and associated factors among adult household members in Meket district, Northeast Ethiopia, 2017: A cross-sectional study. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2018;19(1):15.
  36. Gyawali S, Rathore DS, Shankar PR, Kumar V, Kc V, Lamsal M et al. Self-medication practice among preclinical university students in a medical school from the city of Pokhara, Nepal. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2018;19(1):19.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
G., N. N., K. C., L., Latheef, T., M. M., T., Muhammed N., T., & R., S.
ORCID
G., Narayanan Namboothiri
Venue
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Publisher
Medip Academy
Published
2023-11-29
Volume
11
Issue
12
Pages
4369-4375
ISSN
  • 2320-6012 (ISSN-L)
  • 2320-6071
DOI
10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20233701
OpenAlex
W4389134435
Cited by
3
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2024: 2
FWCI
0.79
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmacology › Pharmacy and Medical Practices
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology › Antibiotic Use and Resistance
  • Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Keywords
self-medication, over-the-counter drugs, prevalence, determinants of self-medication, rural population, Kerala, acute illness, pharmacist recommendations, drug costs, educational attainment, time constraints, self-medication risks

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review