ADULT PATIENTS WITH DENTAL PAIN CORRELATED WITH THE FREQUENCY OF SELF-MEDICATION- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The practice of self-medication is widespread worldwide. When people self-medicate, they run the risk
of misdiagnosis, drug resistance or enhanced pathogen resistance, excessive dosage, expired medication, prolonged
usage, drug interactions, and polypharmacy.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to find out how common self-medication is among adult dental pain patients and
what characteristics are linked to these behaviours.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey was observational. A total of 200 participants were included in the current
study after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After conducting a pilot research, the required modifications
were made to the self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire that was constructed by analysing several studies. The
participant received counselling on self-medication while filling out the questionnaire, and the completed form was
gathered. Following data collection, errors and omissions were verified, and the findings were assessed and examined.
Results: 178 people (89%) used self-medication. There were 94 (52.8%) females and 84 (47.2%) men. The patients'
ages ranged from 18 to 60 years old, with the majority falling between 25 and 35 years old. Of the responders, 86
(48.3%) had completed higher education. A total of 96 patients (51.3%) used painkillers on their own due to
excruciating pain in certain situations. In our study sample, family/friend advice accounted for the majority of selfmedication
(42.6%), with chemist advice coming in second (21.3%). A maximum of 97 people, or 54.4%, used nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers for self-medication.
Conclusion: In our investigation, we found that self-medication was quite prevalent. People need to be made aware of
the risks associated with drug use without thought. The community has to enforce drug control policies more strictly
with relation to prescription and drug availability.
Keywords: , , ,, .