A Cross Section Study to Probe Self-prescribing Trends among the Population of Faisalabad- Pakistan

Self medication is a one of the causes of drug intoxication. The present study was planned to investigate the prevalence rate and circumstances that favor the consumer for self medication. A questionnaire was designed that comprised of 22 questions that probe into research question. Data were collected in three months. Study objects were University students, having the average age 20.8 +/- 2.54, ranged from 18 to 24 years and non University person having middle and primary qualification, with the average age of 51.4 +/- 13.92 ranging from 30 to 80 years of Faisalabad Pakistan. Sample size was calculated with Raosoft calculator. Results showed that females (53.3%) were more inclined to self medication as compared to males (44.6%). Muscle relaxants, antibiotics, antidepressants, antacids and analgesics were categories of medicines that were commonly used by university students and non university persons for cold/flu/cough, body aches and weakness. Antibiotics and muscle relaxants were taken by non university persons 52% and 12% as compared to university students (50% and 1.3%). Use of analgesics and antidepressants is 34% and 4.6% respectively in university students as compared to second group that is 31.3% and 2.6% respectively. It is concluded that self prescribing trend for antibiotics and muscle relaxants is more common in non university persons whereas analgesics and antidepressants were more used by university persons in university students. Antacids were almost equally consumed by both groups.