Variables | n (%) |
---|---|
Reasons for self-medication | |
Cost saving | 82 (53.6) |
Convenience | 68 (44.4) |
Lack of trust in doctor | 3 (2) |
Symptoms/conditions that warranted use of self-medication | |
Aches and pains | 60 (39.2) |
Headache | 26 (17) |
Fever | 18 (11.8) |
Sore throat | 14 (9.2) |
A runny nose | 13 (8.5) |
Cough | 6 (3.9) |
Nasal congestion | 5 (3.3) |
Vomiting | 1 (0.7) |
Diarrhea | 1 (0.7) |
Skin wounds | 1 (0.7) |
Others* | 8 (5.2) |
Information source | |
Recommendation by community pharmacists | 36 (23.5) |
Previous doctor’s prescription | 32 (20.9) |
Own experience | 28 (18.3) |
Opinion of family members | 20 (13.1) |
Opinion of friends | 21 (13.7) |
Recommendation by net citizens | 16 (10.5) |
Patient opinion about self-medication on self-health care | |
Good practice | 13 (8.5) |
Acceptable practice | 44 (28.8) |
Not acceptable practice | 96 (62.7) |
Drugs involved in self-medication | |
Analgesics | 91 (59.2) |
Antibiotics | 36 (23.5) |
Anti-histamines | 11 (7.2) |
Weight gain and weight reducing agents | 11 (7.2) |
Multivitamins | 4 (2.6) |