Impact of Self-Medication Practices on Chronic Pain Management and Quality of Life in a Developing Country

Mandeep Joshi, Kathmandu University
Dinesh Joshi, Mahabaudha Medical Center

Aim - To determine the abuse of self-medication and its impact Methods This study was conducted among the patients (N=125, M=60;F=65) who have purchased the drugs from Pharmacy in one year. Totally, 125 consenting respondents were selected by random sampling and in depth interviewed, closed-ended question-based, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: About 85 percent of the patients did not have medical prescriptions. Majority (68%) of respondents were treated for pain with over the counter (OTC) drugs, and most were taking NSAIDs (95%). Pain in knees (32%), legs (28%), and joints (22%), low back (14%) was most prevalent. Respondents with chronic pain were had low quality of life. About 28% of patients lost =3-4 hours of house work in the past month. 55% of the patients did not have the knowledge about the dose, duration, side effects, and interactions of drugs they had used. The mean age of the participants was 39+/-4. 2 years. Less than 2 % had one episodes of Fix drug eruption in past one year. Conclusions: Analgesics were the most common drugs abused for self-medication. Adequate health education is needed and was found mandatory to make people aware of the use and misuse of drugs. Government should control the schedule D and H drugs without clinician prescription.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Migrant Populations and Refugees, Mortality and Longevity, Population and Development

See extended abstract.