SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES FOR DENTAL PAIN IN THE GENERAL POPULATION OF PAKISTAN
Dr. Anmol Zahoor*, Dr. Humera Gohar, Dr. Sara Khan, Dr. Ayesha Karim, Dr. Akkasha Niazi and Hawwa Zahoor
ABSTRACT
Self-medication is the term used to define the usage and administration of drugs and medication according to one’s own diagnosis and not by the prescription of a medical professional. It is commonly practiced since a long period of time, particularly due to the reason of it being cheaper and more convenient for the subject. A major reason the practice of self-medication is increasing is due the increased accessibility and availability of drugs and medications at pharmacies and medical stores. Antibiotic medications are one of the most renowned and commonly used drugs and have also been found to be to most consumed drug in self-medication. This research was conducted to study the practice of self-medication in dental pain amongst the general population of Pakistan and determine the level of knowledge of the people. 58 (77.3%) of the participants had suffered from a toothache during their lifetime while the remaining 17 (22.7%) did not. Out of those 58 people, 29 (50%) would always seek medical attention while 18 (31%) would not. Our study showed a high prevalence of self-medication in Pakistan. The most common medication taken was paracetamol which is a good analgesic. Health care facilities should be made easily accessible and available to all and that too at affordable rates in order to reduce the practice of self-medication.
Keywords: Dentistry, Self-Medication, Prescription drugs, Oral health, Toothache, Pain.
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