Self-medication practices among non-medical healthcare workers in tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Self-medication is common in India and highly prevalent among healthcare professionals. It may be frequent among non-medical healthcare workers who have easy access to medicines but limited formal training in rational drug use. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of self-medication among non-medical healthcare workers in a tertiary-care teaching hospital in South India. Material and Method: A cross-sectional and non-interventional academic study was conducted among 260 non-medical healthcare employees (Group B, C, and D) at a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Mysore after obtaining approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee. Data were collected using a pre-validated questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, and chi-square test and independent t test were applied to explore associations between self-medication and socio-demographic or health-related factors, with p<0.05 considered significant. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to find association between the various determinants and self medication. Results: The mean age of participants was 40.1 years, the majority were female (68.1%), Group D employees (73.8%), urban residents (90%), and below the poverty line (69.2%). The prevalence of self-medication was 73.8% in non-medical healthcare workers. It was more common in younger workers, females, those with longer work experience, smokers, and those with a past history of disease. Common reasons included convenience, previous prescriptions, and perception of minor illness. Frequently used medicines were paracetamol, analgesics, and antacids. Most participants were somewhat aware of the ill effects of self-medication, and over 90% might or would definitely consider stopping after understanding the risks. Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among non-medical healthcare workers for minor illnesses using easily available medicines, but many express willingness to modify this behavior. Workplace-based education and stricter control of non-prescription drug use may help promote safer medicine practices.