A prospective study of self-medication pattern among children attending a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Children comprise a large percentage of the population in developing countries and are prone to many illnesses. The response of many families towards illness of their children is use of drugs without a prescription. This type of self medication (SM) is regarded as an important component of primary health care in most countries. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the out-patient department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, DODA.This hospital is one of the largest government funded hospital in south Asia. It functions as a tertiary care center receiving referrals from all over Chenab valley of the Jammu Kashmir Union territory and from the neighbouring state of HimachalPradesh too. Results: Total of11582 children attended Pediatric outpatient department of Pediatrics during the study period of one year Jan2020 to Dec 2020, of which 2026 children attended the OPD on the designated days. Out of 2026 children, 501 were recruited of whom 124 were excluded as Caregiver of these children did not give consent for the study and had to be excluded. Overall, 377 children and their parents participated in the study. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication among children attending Out-patient Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, DODAwas 32%. Fever, cough and cold are common complaints leading to self-medication and commonly used drugs are paracetamol, anti-cold medications and antibiotics. Previous prescription is commonly used to procure the drugs and previous experience on efficacy of the drug is the commonest reason. Self-medication is more common in older than younger children.