ASSESSMENT OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG THE HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA

Objective: To assess self-medication practices among healthcare workers in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in a tertiary care teaching hospital of north India. Background: Self-medication practice is a common phenomenon worldwide but has been reported to be very common in developing countries like India. Self-medication practices have gained more significance with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide. When consumers self-medicate without consulting the caregiver, safety issues and irrational use of drugs arise. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study conducted among healthcare workers in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A questionnaire elucidating details of self-medication regarding the history of self-medication, type of self-medication used, and reason for taking self-medication in the context of Covid-19, etc., was provided to healthcare workers from different healthcare professional cadres. Descriptive statistics did a statistical analysis of the data. Results: The present study found that the overall prevalence of self-medication for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19 was 47.8%. The contributing factors for self-medication in the context of Covid-19 were fear of infection or contact with a suspected person 102(57.3%) followed by fear of discrimination 39(21.9%). The most commonly used drugs for self-medication were paracetamol in 172(96.6%) and antibiotics in 132 (74.1%). Conclusion: From the present study, it can be concluded that a high prevalence of self-medication practices is seen among healthcare professionals. Continuous awareness and sensitization are needed through media and other sources to create awareness regarding the deleterious effects of self-medication and to promote the rational use of medicines among healthcare workers.