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@article{207553,
        author = {YOKESH M and DR.K. PRADHEEP and SUBANUPRIYA.S and SUBHA.V},
        title = {ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES FOR FEVER, HEADACHE, GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND SKIN ALLERGIES IN RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITIES},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {3},
        pages = {1578-1585},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=207553},
        abstract = {Background: Self-medication refers to the practice of individuals selecting and using medicines on their own, without consulting a qualified physician, to manage a self-diagnosed condition. This practice raises public health concerns because it carries the risk of incorrect diagnosis, harmful drug interactions, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Objectives: (i) To determine the prevalence of self-medication among adults in rural and urban communities; (ii) to identify the common reasons, sources, and categories of medicines used; and (iii) to evaluate participants' awareness and attitude regarding the risks associated with self-medication.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 participants using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered through direct interview. Participants who had practiced self-medication within the preceding three months were considered for detailed analysis. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages.
Results: Of the 500 participants, 314 (62.8%) reported practicing self-medication in the previous three months. Minor illness was the leading reason for self-medication (43.9%), followed by the cost of consultation (20.7%) and lack of time (17.5%); distance to the nearest hospital or PHC was cited by an estimated 152 participants (48.4%). Around 158 participants (50.3%) sought advice from friends or family before taking medicine. Only 23.6% of participants were fully aware that self-medication can cause side effects or drug resistance, while 54.5% were aware only occasionally, and 74.2% had not personally experienced any side effects. Regarding safety, 53.2% felt that the safety of self-medication depends on the condition being treated. Encouragingly, 81.2% indicated that they would consult a doctor if symptoms failed to improve within two to three days, and roughly 232 participants (74.0%) did not rely on health influencers on YouTube or Instagram for medicine-related information.
Conclusion: Self-medication is a widely practiced driven mainly by minor illness, cost, and time constraints, and awareness of its risks remains only partial. Nevertheless, most participants are willing to seek professional consultation when symptoms persist. These findings highlight the need for structured health education on rational drug use and the risks of self-medication to encourage safer health-seeking practices.},
        keywords = {Self-medication, Rural and urban population, Fever, Headache, Gastrointestinal disorders, Skin allergy, Community pharmacist},
        month = {August},
        }