Amna Younus, Mehek Yousafzai, Rabia Zafar, Omer Zahoor, Anum Zahra, Somaeya Zubair, Urooj Fatima, Nadia Khalid.
Self-medication practice among the general community of an urban squatter settlement near PNS Shifa Karachi.
J Bahria Uni Med Dental Coll Jan ;3(1):34-7.

Abstract: Objective: To assess the frequency of self-medication amongst the residents of urban squatter settlement near PNS Shifa Karachi and to assess the factors leading to this practice. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the city of Karachi. The subjects were the community in general. A total of 60 subjects were enrolled and were either interviewed face-to-face or were asked to fill out the questionnaire relating to their self-medication practice. Results: Out of 60 subjects, 38 (63.3%) preferred the practice of self-medication. Minor ailment was the main reason for self-medication, 27 (45%) subjects responded headache as the most common reason and paracetamol was the most frequently used drug for self medication. It was used by 44(73.3%) of the subjects. Conclusion: The practice of self medication is high in the community and there is a need to develop awareness of self-medication practice in the public along with restrictions for the pharmacies providing drugs without prescriptions.

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