Pattern and practice of self medication among adults in an urban community of West Bengal

Introduction: Self-medication is the obtainment and consumption of drugs without a physician's advice, in any stage of disease management. Indiscriminate practice of self-medication, which is common in developing countries like India, often leads to dangerous unwarranted adverse effects, ultimately increasing cost burden due to health care. The aim of this study was to assess self-medication practice and its reasons among study participants. Methods: Eligible residents of the urban field practice area of a Kolkata-based medical college were interviewed using a predesigned and pretested data collection schedule. Conclusion: The study found the majority of its respondents to be practicing self-medication. Stringent implementation of law and increasing community awareness regarding the ill effects of self-medication is therefore necessary.