A Growing Concern: The Prevalence of Self-Medication in Pediatric Healthcare in India

Self-medication, the practice of using medications without a valid prescription based on self-diagnosed symptoms, has become a global phenomenon, with a significant presence in developing nations like India. This inclination often arises from the desire to reduce healthcare costs and save time, though it carries inherent risks, including serious adverse effects and the potential masking of chronic disease symptoms. In India, the prevalence of self-medication varies widely, with factors such as media-driven advertisements, positive attitudes, and financial constraints contributing to its adoption, especially among lower- and middle-income families. The pediatric population in India is witnessing a notable increase in self-medication practices, driven by a mix of affordability, convenience, and limited awareness among parents. The risks associated with self-medication in pediatric healthcare are diverse, posing threats to developing immune systems and metabolisms in children. Antibiotic misuse further exacerbates concerns about antibiotic resistance, a global health crisis. Understanding the root causes of self-medication, including restricted healthcare access and societal pressures, is crucial for developing effective interventions. To address this issue comprehensively, a multifaceted approach is essential, emphasizing the need for widespread educational initiatives targeting healthcare literacy. Concurrently, reinforcing regulatory measures to monitor over-the-counter medication sales and conducting public awareness campaigns can deter unauthorized dispensing and promote responsible healthcare practices. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, government bodies, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions are imperative to champion policies prioritizing children's health. It is a collective responsibility to ensure access to proper healthcare as an inherent right for every child in India. Urgent action is necessary to address the rising prevalence of self-medication, securing the well-being of the younger generation and paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future.

Self-Medication Practices among Undergraduate University Students in Northeast Ethiopia

Background

Inappropriate self-medication is a public-health problem worldwide. Major problems associated with self-medication include wastage of resources, increased resistance of pathogens, and adverse drug reactions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess self-medication practices and associated factors among undergraduate Wollo University students in Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 341 undergraduate university students using a pretested and self-administered questionnaire from January to February 2019. Simple random sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected using the self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 20. Multiple logistic regression was employed in data analysis, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of self-medication in this study was 64.98%. Mildness of disease (57, 34.13%) and dissatisfaction with health-care services, (44, 26.34%) were the main reasons for self-medication practice. The most common types of diseases for self-medication were headache (80, 47.9%), gastrointestinal infections (74, 44.31%), and respiratory tract infections (48, 28.74%). Analgesics (94, 56.28%) and antibiotics (60, 35.9%) were the leading classes of medicine used in self-medication. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that agriculture students (AOR 0.163, 95% CI 0.049-0.545) were 84% less likely to practice self-medication than medicine and health-science students.

Conclusion

This study revealed that self-medication practices are common among study participants and significantly associated with their field of study. Awareness promotion on the risk of inappropriate self-medication for university students is highly recommended.

Use of Non-Prescription Remedies by Ghanaian Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Persons on Antiretroviral Therapy

Background

Inappropriate use of non-prescription remedies by persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) may result in adverse events or potentiate non-adherence to prescribed medications. This study investigated the use of non-prescription remedies among PLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) from four treatment centers in southern Ghana.

Methods

A mixed method design using quantitative and qualitative methods was used. This article focuses on the quantitative survey of 540 respondents. Univariate analysis was used to generate descriptive tabulations of key variables. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression modeling, respectively, produced unadjusted and adjusted associations between background attributes of PLHIV and the use of non-prescription remedies. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0.

Results

One out of three respondents reported the use of non-prescription remedies at least once within 3 months of the survey. Most of these were locally made and included “Angel natural bitters, concoctions from the Christian prayer centers, garlic, and mahogany syrups.” These remedies were used concomitantly with antiretroviral medications (ARVs)—46% or administered with ARVs but at different times during the day (43%). Some of the remedies were reportedly prescribed by health workers, or self-initiated during periods of ARVs shortage. Others took them based on their perception of their efficacy. Bivariate level analysis identified ART clinic site, place of residence, and ARV adherence monitoring to be significantly associated with the use of non-prescription remedies (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for covariates confirmed the location of ART clinic as the only predictor of the use of non-prescription remedies. Compared to clients at the large urban teaching hospital (Korle-Bu Fevers Unit ART center), those at the district level (Atua ART center) were ninefold more likely to use non-prescription remedies [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 8.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.83–33.72]. Those from a district level mission hospital (St. Martin’s ART center) were threefold as likely to use these remedies (AOR = 2.610; 95% CI 1.074–9.120).

Conclusion

The use of non-prescription remedies by PLHIV on ART is common in southern Ghana. Usage is mostly self-initiated because of perceived efficacy of remedy, and was more common among clients attending rural ART clinics.