Self Medication in Dentistry

Authors

  • Harshada Ragunathan
  • Krithika C
  • Kiruthiga G
  • Keerthana S
  • Lakshmipriya S
  • PS Gayathri

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14292

Keywords:

self-medication, professional, phobia, dental problems, General population.

Abstract

Background: During mid 1980’s World Health Organization gave approval for some medical drugs from
prescription to reduce the burden of the medical professionals. Self-medication is one form of medication
which is practiced worldwide by many people with or without medical knowledge. In dentistry the most
common reason for taking the self-medication is phobia towards the dental procedures.
Aim and Objective: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge about self-medication practice
among common people and create awareness on its ill effects.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among general population of age 18years
and above. As the study was conducted during the pandemic time, a web-based survey was conducted with
a set of 11 self-structured questions which was framed in English language and vetted with expert`s opinion.
The questions were circulated through links to the participants through various social media platforms.
Result: The 50 participants were grouped based on occupational status. chi-square test was performed and
it was seen that most of the questions were statistically significant (p < 0.05). High significance was seen
when the participants were asked the commonest reason and drug that they would prefer for self-Medication
(p <0.00001).
Conclusion: The common reason for using of self-medication in dental issue is pain, lack of time and
phobia. This has to be improved by conducting awareness programs and the patients have to overcome their
fear and volunteer themselves to treat the cause.

Author Biographies

  • Harshada Ragunathan

    Senior lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Thai Moogambagi Dental College and
    Hospital , Dr MGR Educational Research Institute Chennai India

  • Krithika C

    Professor and Head of the department,
    Thaimoogambigai Dental College and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India,

  • Kiruthiga G

    CRI, Thaimoogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai,
    India

  • Keerthana S

    CRI, Thaimoogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai,
    India, 

  • Lakshmipriya S

    CRI, Thaimoogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai,
    India

  • PS Gayathri

    Reader, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Thaimoogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR
    MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India

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Published

2021-03-24

How to Cite

Self Medication in Dentistry. (2021). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(2), 139-143. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14292