Prevalence and Pattern of Antibiotic Self-Medication among Selected Medical Fraternity from Haryana

Background: Sub-optimal prescribing practices have contributed to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence and to assess the pattern of antibiotic self-medication among selected medical fraternity. An additional objective was to compare the usage of antimicrobials in students with no formal pharmacology education and those who have completed pharmacology education. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 305 undergraduate students of MBBS, medical interns and the residents. Data were collected using a modified version of a validated questionnaire. Chi square test compared the significance of antibiotic self-medication between the two study groups, pre-clinical (subjects with no formal pharmacology education) and Clinical Group (subjects with formal pharmacology education). Results: The prevalence of self-medication among the study population was 89.84% (n=274).The prevalence of self-medication among the Preclinical and Clinical group is as follows 89% and 90% respectively. Fever was the most common indication cited for self-medication (77.37%), followed by cough/cold (74.09%) and headache (73.12%).Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid was the most common antibiotic consumed. 59 (52.2%) of study subjects in pre-clinical group whereas 153 (79.7%) in clinical group checked for adverse effects of a particular antibiotic before using it. Conclusion: This study concludes that the practice of self-medication amongst medical undergraduates, interns and residents is very common – about 90% while that of real cause of concern is the use of anti-biotic (63.93%) This study also points out the indiscriminate use and irresponsible attitude towards antibiotics by the Preclinical group upon which change is urgently required.