Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the understanding, viewpoints, and behaviors of over-the-counter (OTC) medication usage within rural communities. Additionally, we sought to identify the most common reasons for using OTC drugs in these areas. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation spanning six months was conducted, employing a self-administered questionnaire that had been pre-validated. This questionnaire was designed by drawing upon prior research to gather data concerning the following: the utilization patterns of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the motives and circumstances behind OTC drug usage, and a comprehensive list of commonly self-administered drugs. Results: Out of the 140 participants in the study, a significant 69% demonstrated awareness of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. On average, they engaged in self-medication with OTC drugs approximately seven times in the past year. The primary motivation for their OTC drug use was cost-effectiveness, with a striking 93% of individuals citing affordability as the leading factor.Among the OTC drugs, analgesics and antipyretics stood out as the most commonly self-administered class, with 100% of participants using them, followed closely by antacids at 81%. Pain and fever emerged as the most prevalent reasons for OTC drug use, with headaches as the second most common indication, and coughs and colds as the third. Conclusion: The results of this cross-sectional study reveal that the utilization of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is highly prevalent within rural communities, largely due to the ready accessibility of these medications. However, a substantial proportion of individuals lack awareness regarding the potential side effects of the medications they self-administer and recommend to others. Consequently, there is a pressing need to raise awareness among rural populations about the adverse effects of OTC drugs in order to avert unforeseen consequences.