A Questionnaire Based Study for the Evaluation of over the Counter Usage of Analgesic Drugs among Diabetic Industrial Worker's in Madurai

BACKGROUNDTrend of using OTC drugs is high in India. Due to uncontrolled use of OTC drugs, incidence of delayed diagnosis, complications, treatment failure and drug resistance are increasing. But the awareness of OTC among the industrial workers remain far less from satisfactory. AIMS AND OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the knowledge of over the counter usage of analgesic drugs among diabetic industrial workers in Madurai. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire based study conducted among diabetic patients in textile industry, Madurai- involving 100 workers. RESULTSFrom the results obtained it is observed that the majority of Industrial workers had a poor knowledge about adverse effects and risks of OTC pain killers. Paracetamol is mostly used by the industrial workers (70 %).92 % of workers reported that they had been purchasing medicine from a pharmacy on their own.94 % workers relied on pharmacists recommendation.58 % of workers reported that they preferred OTC mainly because of time. CONCLUSIONParacetamol is mostly used by the industrial workers. A proper statutory drug control must be implemented, rationally restricting the availability of drugs to the public. So that it reduce the incidence of drug-related mishaps and help in maintaining good health of the individual and society.