Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward responsible self‑medication among students of pharmacy colleges located in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Responsible self‑medication plays a vital role in appropriate use of nonprescription drugs which will improve safety and reduces unwanted effects of drugs.

This study is designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward responsible self‑medication among pharmacy students. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted in pharmacy students of various colleges located in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

A total of 403 pharmacy students were enrolled and subjected for interview using prevalidated KAP questionnaire on responsible self‑medication. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were used to represent the sociodemographic characteristics and KAP levels. Association of socio‑demographic variables with KAP levels are determined using the Chi‑square test.

A total of 403 pharmacy students are recruited in the study, in these 19 (4.7%) diploma in pharmacy, 260 (64.5%) bachelor in pharmacy, 27 (6.7%) master in pharmacy, and 97 (24.1%) are doctor of pharmacy. Among 403 respondents, 150 (37.2%) good knowledge, 397 (98.5%) positive attitude, and 170 (42.2%) practice toward responsible self‑medication. Respondent’s age, pharmacy division, residence, and their parents’ profession were significantly associated with good knowledge and rational practice toward responsible self‑medication with a P < 0.05.

The study concludes that pharmacy students are shown more positive attitude toward responsible self‑medication. However, students are lack of knowledge and practice of responsible self‑medication.