SELF-MEDICATION AND DRUG STORAGE PRACTICES: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

The high prevalence of chronic diseases and ease of availability of over-the-counter medications have favored both prescribed and self-medication consumption among the needy. It’s equally important to ensure that not only patients but everyone should be aware of appropriate storage requirements to prevent negative health and economic consequences. A cross-sectional study to evaluate self-medication and drug storage practices among pharmacy students at Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, was considered. A semi-structured, validated questionnaire with 21 open and closed-ended questions addressing several domains—knowledge, attitude, and practices were used to collect the data after informed consent was obtained. A total of 300 subjects satisfying both the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated in the study. STROBE guidelines for the cross-sectional study were considered. The study adjudged that the students of pharmacy have good knowledge of self-medication and storage requirements/practices to be considered for medications.