Irrational drug use based on self medication for some common clinical conditions in an educated population of Karachi

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the irrational treatment approach for some common clinical conditions by females in higher educational institutes of Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: The study was conducted in two private sector institutes for higher education in Karachi from Jan 2011-June 2011. A pretested questionnaire containing open-ended and close-ended items was administered to female students and teachers.

Results: The tendency to self diagnose and self medicate (63.78%) is more than seeking appropriate medical treatment (36.21%). The most common condition treated by self medication is Headache (96.52%) and the most common condition in which appropriate medical treatment