Pain, Self-Medication and Administration of Over-The-Counter Analgesics: An Observational Study

Abstract

Objective: Self-medication is identified as a behavioral approach that indulges an individual in the substance use as self-administration for the treatment of any physical or psychological pain. Over the counter drugs are the most widely used medicines that are commonly available and administered without the prescription of a doctor. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors that reinforce the self-administration of the analgesics. Methodology: An observational study had been designed that enrolled males and females participants of more than 18 years of age, from the city of Karachi. The recruited individuals were asked to fill out a structured questionnaire inquiring about the incidence of pain and prevalence of self-administration of analgesics. Results: The study had 500 participants that involved 59% males and 41% females with the average age of 24.14 + 5.02 years. 100% of the participants reported some intensity of pain with average intensity being the most prevalent. It turned out that the individuals reported mild grades of physical and chemical with a high prevalence of headaches. Conclusion: The study concludes that even though the intensity of pain remains within the bearable edge, the availability of the pain killers, and accessibility of instant relief and also the possibility of decrease in tolerance has spoiled the population to opt for over the counter analgesics time and again.