A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge, Practice and Factors Influencing Self-Medication Among Nursing Students in Selected College, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Self-medication refers to the use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized symptoms or health conditions without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. It is a common practice among young adults and students. Nursing students may be more likely to practice self-medication due to their basic knowledge of diseases, medicines, dosage, and treatment procedures, along with easy access to healthcare information and medications. Common reasons include previous experience with similar illnesses, minor health problems, and convenience, saving time and money, and avoiding professional consultation. Although self-medication may provide immediate relief from minor ailments, inappropriate use can result in adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, incorrect diagnosis, treatment failure, antibiotic resistance, and medication dependence. As future healthcare professionals, nursing students should possess adequate knowledge and follow safe medication practices. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and factors influencing self-medication among nursing students in selected colleges of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh is associated with appropriate practices related to self-medication among nursing students. Material and Method: A descriptive research design was adopted to conduct study. Target population was nursing students of BSc nursing 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th year. A simple random sampling (probability) technique was utilized for select in a sample of 60 students of Shri Shankaracharya College of Nursing, Hudco, Bhilai Durg District. Expert opinion and content validity of the tools established by five experts (medical surgical nursing) and one statistician. Reliability tool was established by using Karl Pearson formula and ‘r’ was found to be 0.89. The tool was found valid and reliable. Data collection was done from 5 January to 4 February, 2023 for main study. Formal written Permission was taken from the principal of Shri shankaracharya college of Nursing Hudco, Bhilai (C.G.). Result: Overall analysis of the study shows that out of 60 nursing students, 21 (35%) had excellent knowledge regarding self-medication. 19 (31.67%) students had good knowledge, while another 19 (31.67%) students had average knowledge. Only 1 (1.66%) student needed improvement in knowledge. In practice out of 60 nursing students, 38 (63.33%) had excellent practice regarding self-medication. 16 (26.67%) students had good practice, while 6 (10%) students needed improvement in their self-medication practices. The overall knowledge score of the 60 nursing students was 472/720, with a mean score percentage was 65.55 % and a standard deviation The overall practice score of the 60 nursing students was 381/600, with a mean practice score of 6.35 and a standard deviation of 1.61. The mean percentage was 63.50%. Positive correlation between knowledge and practice regarding self-medication that was 0.89. Conclusion: The study conducted that the study concluded that the majority of nursing students had adequate knowledge regarding self-medication and demonstrated good practices. The findings indicate that students were generally aware of the appropriate use of medicines and followed safe self-medication practices.