臨床および実験薬理学ジャーナル

概要

Self-medication among Cancer Patients in Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna

Soni* and Kushwaha AK

Introduction: Cancer patients self-medicate themselves for the treatment for coexisting diseases with many over the counter drugs along with chemotherapy. A complete analysis was done on various aspect of self-medication among cancer patients.
Methods: A questionnaire-based study was done in the Out Patient Department of Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, a study was done in a single sitting. 32 patients voluntarily participated in the study among the 54 patients who attended the evening OPD.
Results: Eighty-seven per cent of the subjects reported to be taking self-medication, 25% reported to be taking ayurvedic drugs of which the majority reported to be taking for pain. The majority reported the reason for selfmedication to be quick relief and 56% stated relief after medication.
Conclusion: This observational study gives relevant data to identify the potential determinant of self-medication among cancer patient and possible measures required to prevent this practice.