Comparative Study of Self-medication Practice in Preclinical Medical Students and Intern Doctors of Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is a very common practice in the community, especially among medical students. Self-medication includes the use of drugs to treat illnesses that have been diagnosed, as well as the intermittent use of prescribed medications
for chronic conditions.

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the differences in self�medication practices among intern doctors and preclinical medical students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was done from December 2022 to November 2023 among preclinical medical students and intern doctors at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital (BMCTH), Morang, Nepal. A total enumeration sampling technique was used. All data were collected in MS Excel 2007 and analyzed using SPSS version 19.

Results: Overall 280 premedical students and intern doctors were enrolled in this study, however only 203 preclinical medical students and intern doctors consented for participation. These participants were divided into two groups: preclinical students Group I) and intern doctors (Group II). In Group 1 self-medication was reported at 72.5% while it was at 38.4% in Group II. The most common illness for self-medication in Group I were fever (23.2%) and headache (17.6%). Group I had more thyroid
problems (4.8%) as comorbidities than group II. The majority of self-medication cases in Group I involved allergies (40%) and fever (25.6%) in Group II. Antihistamines (56.8%) and paracetamol (60.2%) respectively were the most often used medications or self-medication in both the groups. Self-medication was common among Group I participants as many of them were currently experiencing minor health problems and were also familiar with the drugs used.

Conclusion: Self-medication was prevalent in both preclinical medical students and intern doctors at BMCTH. Although there is no significant difference in self-medication behavior among premedical and intern doctors, intern doctors are more likely to use
medications rationally, which could be due to more knowledge gained throughout their internship training and clinical experience.