Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward responsible self‑medication among students of pharmacy colleges located in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. F. Susheela, Narayana Goruntla
. Pradeep Kumar Bhupalam 1
. K. V. Veerabhadrappa 2
. Bogireddy Sahithi, S. M. G. Ishrar

1 Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India

2 Pharmacognosy, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Responsible self‑medication plays a vital role in appropriate use of nonprescription
drugs which will improve safety and reduces unwanted effects of drugs.
AIM: This study is designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward responsible
self‑medication among pharmacy students.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted in pharmacy students of various
colleges located in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 403 pharmacy students were enrolled and subjected for
interview using prevalidated KAP questionnaire on responsible self‑medication.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were used to represent the sociodemographic
characteristics and KAP levels. Association of socio‑demographic variables with KAP levels are
determined using the Chi‑square test.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 403 pharmacy students are recruited in the study, in these
19 (4.7%) diploma in pharmacy, 260 (64.5%) bachelor in pharmacy, 27 (6.7%) master in pharmacy, and
97 (24.1%) are doctor of pharmacy. Among 403 respondents, 150 (37.2%) good knowledge, 397 (98.5%)
positive attitude, and 170 (42.2%) practice toward responsible self‑medication. Respondent’s age,
pharmacy division, residence, and their parents’ profession were significantly associated with good
knowledge and rational practice toward responsible self‑medication with a P < 0.05.
CONCLUSION: The study concludes that pharmacy students are shown more positive attitude toward
responsible self‑medication. However, students are lack of knowledge and practice of responsible
self‑medication.

Keywords

Attitude
knowledge
pharmacy students
practice
responsible self‑medication
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 8, Issue 8
August 2018
Pages 1-8

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