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ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Evaluation of Self-Medication Practices Among First and Third Year MBBS Students in A Tertiary Care Hospital, Assam

Authors: Nivedita Saha;

Evaluation of Self-Medication Practices Among First and Third Year MBBS Students in A Tertiary Care Hospital, Assam

Abstract

Background: “Self-medication” is a frequent practice in which people take drugs without contacting a healthcare professional. It is common among medical students due to their understanding of pharmaceuticals & easy access to prescriptions. Therefore, the present study focuses on examining self-medication habits among first and third-year MBBS students in a tertiary care hospital in Assam, India. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study involved medical students in two groups: 1st & 3rd year MBBS students. A pre-tested questionnaire was distributed to both groups using Google Forms, preceded by a pre-test conducted with 16 respondents. The data collection process involved 2 sections: Section A focused on demographic information, while Section B focused on self-medication-related inquiries using multiple-choice answers, open-ended questions & Likert scales. Results: The study found that two groups differ in drug information sources, with Group 2 relying more on classroom teaching (51.96%) & textbooks (53.92%), while Group 1 heavily relies on advertisements (38.04%), prescriptions (48.91%), & Google (41.30%). Group 2 had a higher percentage of reliance on different sources for drugs, suggesting social circles may influence their behavior. Both groups shared similar reasons for self-medication, but Group 2 had higher percentages for time-saving (66.67%), confidence in knowledge (58.82%), and ease & convenience (60.78%). Group 2 used a wider variety of drugs with significantly higher percentages for antispasmodics (31.37%), decongestants (77.45%), & lozenges (37.25%). Additionally, both groups had concerns about adverse effects, wrong drug use, misdiagnosis, and drug dependence. Furthermore, group 2 had a higher awareness of self-medication aspects, including dose, adverse drug reactions, precautions, and medication course completion, compared to Group 1. Conclusion: The present findings highlight the importance of understanding different information-seeking behaviors & motivations behind self-medication practices to tailor effective public health strategies.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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Green