The Exploring the Risk Factors and Practices of Self-medication for Oral Problems Among Dental Patients

Self- medication on Dental patients

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to identify common types of medications used
for self-treatment by individuals aged 18-35 years and to explore the influence of socio-demographic factor on
self-medication practices among patients visiting Dow International Dental College, Karachi
Methodology: The study was conducted at the diagnostic Department of Dow International Dental College DIDC, DUHS. A closed-ended, self-administrated, structured questionnaire was given to study participants in diagnostic OPD. Data Analysis: This was done by using IBM-SPSS ver. 2.1. Mean and SD were calculated
for variables whereas frequency and percentage were calculated by descriptive analysis.
Results: The participants in the study were between the age range of 25 – 34 years old. Females were in majority taking self-medication. Regarding the education level, the secondary education level comprised the largest group on self-medication (n=250). The majority of the participants lived nearest to the health Centre i.e. less than 1km away. The usage of oral analgesics was found in most i.e. 35.3% and these medications were purchased mostly from pharmacy shops by 122 participants (73.5%). The reason for taking self-medication was after triggering factors of pain i.e. 254 (75.6%) only for a few days.
Conclusion: This research concluded that the use of self-medication was found in most of the young adult population and dental pain is the most common reason for self-medication. Analgesics were the most frequent medication used as self-medication.
Key Words: Oral health problem, risk, self-medication,