Publication:

Self-medication practices and associated factors among adult population in rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional study

Background Self-medication is a common public health concern in developing countries like India. Easy drug availability, limited healthcare access, and prior experience contribute to this practice, which may lead to adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-medication and associated factors among adults in a rural community.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2025 in a rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital among 368 adults selected by simple random sampling.

Results The mean age of participants was 40 years, and the prevalence of self-medication was 61.7%. Pharmacies were the main source of medicines (74%), and headache (78.8%) and fever (66.4%) were the most common indications. Female gender, unemployment, easy access to pharmacies, availability of medicines at home, peer influence, and previous experience were significantly associated with self-medication.

Conclusions The study revealed a high prevalence of self-medication in the rural community. Female gender, unemployment, easy access to pharmacies, availability of medicines at home, peer influence, and prior experience were significantly associated with this practice.