Pattern of medication selling and self-medication practices: A study from Punjab, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Access to medicines without prescription is a major contributing factor for self-medication practices. This study was designed to examine the ratio of non-prescribed medicines sales and self-medication practices in Punjab, Pakistan. This study also evaluates the reasons for self-medication within its communities.

Methods

An observational study was conducted in 272 systemically selected pharmacies to analyze medicines-related sales, with or without prescription. A cross-sectional survey was performed between June 2015 and November 2016. Consumers were interviewed about their self-medication practices.

Results

Of the pharmacies surveyed, 65.3% participated in the study. A total of 4348 medicines were purchased for self-medication by 3037 consumers (15.2% of a

SUBMITTER: Aziz MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5863987 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature