Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 16 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 243-249
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260528
Prevalence, Patterns and Perceptions of Self-Medication Among Undergraduate Medical Students at a Government Medical College in North India
Atosh Kumar1, Prashant Bhatnagar2, Lata Sachan3, Anubhav Dwivedi4, Berendra Yadav5, Swati Kumari6
1Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur.
2Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, GMC Jalaun, Orai (U.P.).
3Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, GMC Jalaun, Orai (U.P.)
4Professor, Department of Physiology, ASMC Auraiya
5Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, GMC Ambedkarnagar
6Junior Resident, Department of Physiology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur.
Corresponding Author: Atosh Kumar
ABSTRACT
Background: Self-medication is widely practiced among medical students due to their pharmacological knowledge and easy access to medicines. However, inappropriate self-medication can lead to adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence, patterns, and perceptions of self-medication among undergraduate medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 undergraduate medical students using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 70.1%. Analgesics (33.0%), antipyretics (40.6%), and antibiotics (44.7%) were the most commonly used drugs. Fever (45.7%) and common cold (44.2%) were the most frequent indications. Pharmacy purchase without prescription (45.2%) was the most common source of medicines. Among antibiotic users, 38.5% did not complete the full course. Significant associations were observed between year of study and self-medication (p = 0.002), and between year of study and antibiotic completion (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among medical students. Despite adequate awareness, inappropriate practices persist, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions.
Key words: Self-medication, medical students, antibiotics, prevalence, attitudes