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2024, Vol: 2, Issue: 1
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Original Article

Online Publishing Date:
31 / 07 / 2024

 


Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai

Akash Gajanan Prabhune, S. Shriraam, Vaibhav Dilip Patil, P. S. Karpaga Priya.


Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the impact of the Internet on self-medication practices among urban residents in Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. Conducted through a web-based questionnaire, excluding medical students, 350 valid responses were obtained. Results indicated that 34.5% of respondents practiced self-medication in the past 3 months, with 35.5% attributing their decisions to internet information. Major reasons for self-medication included minor ailments not requiring professional consultation (36%) and time-saving convenience (35.4%). Internet reliance was prominent among participants aged 21–40, with Bengaluru exhibiting the highest instances (62%). The study revealed a significant influence of the Internet on decision-making in 26.7% of cases. Primary information sources were internet search engines (87%), focusing on drug prices (60%) and common adverse effects (19%). Notably, the study assessed the risk associated with internet-based self-medication, finding no statistically significant difference compared to traditional sources. In conclusion, the research highlights shifting self-medication patterns in urban India, emphasizing the growing role of the Internet. Despite concerns, the study suggests that internet-based self-medication does not pose a substantially higher risk of adverse events compared to conventional sources. Further investigations into diverse populations and regions are recommended for a comprehensive understanding of this prevalent healthcare practice.

Key words: Self-Medication, Patient Safety, Internet and source of health information, Consumer health


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Prabhune AG, Shriraam S, Patil VD, Priya PSK. Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. J Pub Health Comm Med. 2024; 1(3): 109-115. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913

Web Style

Prabhune AG, Shriraam S, Patil VD, Priya PSK. Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. https://www.wisdomgale.com/jphcm/?mno=204654 [Access: August 08, 2024]. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Prabhune AG, Shriraam S, Patil VD, Priya PSK. Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. J Pub Health Comm Med. 2024; 1(3): 109-115. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Prabhune AG, Shriraam S, Patil VD, Priya PSK. Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. J Pub Health Comm Med. (2024), [cited August 08, 2024]; 1(3): 109-115. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913


Harvard Style

Prabhune, A. G., Shriraam, . S., Patil, . V. D. & Priya, . P. S. K. (2024) Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. J Pub Health Comm Med, 1 (3), 109-115. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913


Turabian Style

Prabhune, Akash Gajanan, S. Shriraam, Vaibhav Dilip Patil, and P. S. Karpaga Priya. 2024. Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine, 1 (3), 109-115. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913


Chicago Style

Prabhune, Akash Gajanan, S. Shriraam, Vaibhav Dilip Patil, and P. S. Karpaga Priya. "Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai." Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine 1 (2024), 109-115. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Prabhune, Akash Gajanan, S. Shriraam, Vaibhav Dilip Patil, and P. S. Karpaga Priya. "Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai." Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine 1.3 (2024), 109-115. Print. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Prabhune, A. G., Shriraam, . S., Patil, . V. D. & Priya, . P. S. K. (2024) Internet-driven self-medication practices in Urban India: A cross-sectional study across Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine, 1 (3), 109-115. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240606094913


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