Self Medication Practice among Iraqi Patients in Baghdad City

Ali L. Jasim^1, , Taqua A. Fadhil¹ and Salam S. Taher²

¹Assistant lecturers in clinical pharmacy department, College of Pharmacy, Baghdad University

²Postgraduate pharmacist in clinical pharmacy department, College of Pharmacy, Baghdad University

Cite this paper:
Ali L. Jasim, Taqua A. Fadhil and Salam S. Taher. Self Medication Practice among Iraqi Patients in Baghdad City. American Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. 2014; 2(1):18-23. doi: 10.12691/ajps-2-1-4

Abstract

The practice of self medication is continuously increasing worldwide due to its important roles in curing minor conditions or symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with self medication practice of Iraqi respondents residing in Baghdad City. This study was designed as cross sectional study in which data was collected via direct interviews with respondents using a previously prepared questionnaire. This study investigated 348 respondents from different age groups. The majority of respondents were male aged between 30-60 years, married with secondary or academic level of education and employed with accepted monthly income. The main reason for practicing self medication was previous experience with the same condition followed by considering the current condition simple with no need to consult a physician. A previous prescription was revealed to be the commonest source of information about the self medicated drugs followed by community pharmacies and family members or friends. Flu or common cold was the commonest indication identified for self medication followed by headache, back or muscle pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea and others. Drugs used in treating these conditions were antibiotics, the commonest, followed by paracetamol, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cough preparations, antispasmodics, skeletal muscle relaxants, antacids, antidiarrheals and others.

Keywords:
self medication Iraqi respondents minor conditions

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