A cross sectional study of self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students

Authors

  • Dayanand R. Raikar Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, KBN Institute of Medical Sciences, Gulbaraga, Karnataka
  • Nagendra S. Manthale Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, MR Medical College, Gulbaraga, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20181821

Keywords:

Acne, Self‑medication, Medical students

Abstract

Background: Acne is one of the most common inflammatory chronic skin diseases that affect teenagers and continues into adulthood. Self-medication is common among medical students. Hence this present study was undertaken to study the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication for acne among medical students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included medical students of the second phase and final phase (Part I and Part II). A pretested questionnaire was given to them which included questions on knowledge, attitude and practice about self-medication for acne.

Results: Self-medication for acne was seen in 240 (77.4%) students out of 310 students. Mild nature of illness was the most common reason for self-medication for acne followed by privacy. Most common source of information was seniors/friends/family members. Most of the students felt that self-medication is part of self-care (48%). Clindamycin was the most common drug self-medicated for acne.

Conclusions: Self-medication for acne is quite high among medical students. Self-medication is part of self-care so it should be encouraged for minor illness. But should be based on thorough knowledge and restricted to over the counter drugs.

Author Biographies

Dayanand R. Raikar, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, KBN Institute of Medical Sciences, Gulbaraga, Karnataka

Dermatology, Associate professor

Nagendra S. Manthale, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, MR Medical College, Gulbaraga, Karnataka

Dermatology, Associate professor

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Published

2018-04-25

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Original Research Articles