Healthmed Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
An International, Open Access, Peer Reviewed Journal
ISSN: 3078-6975 (Online)
Self-Medication Practices in Bangladesh: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study Between Urban and Rural Communities
Year : 2025 , Volume : 3, Issue : 4, Pages : 1-11
Original Research
Author :
Abstract
Self-medication (SM) is widely practiced in Bangladesh and constitutes a growing public health concern due to inappropriate medicine use and limited regulatory enforcement. Of particular concern is the misuse of prescription only medicines, including antibiotics, driven by decisions made without consultation from qualified healthcare practitioners. Evidence comparing determinants of self-medication between urban and rural populations remains limited. This study evaluated the prevalence and determinants of self-medication practices in Bangladesh, with a specific focus on decision making influenced by unqualified pharmacy dispensers and the misuse of antibiotics without professional supervision. A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. A total of 530 respondents from urban and rural communities were included. Data were analyzed descriptively to assess sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of self-medication, sources of treatment decisions, indications for medicine use, and categories of drugs obtained without prescription. Self-medication, defined as the use of medicines without consultation with a registered physician within the preceding six months, was commonly reported, with most respondents indicating weekly or monthly practice. Decision making was largely influenced by advice from retail or community pharmacy dispensers who were not licensed medical practitioners, followed by reuse of old prescriptions and personal experience with similar illnesses. Higher educational attainment did not prevent self-medication and was associated with greater confidence in self-directed treatment decisions. Pain related conditions, febrile illness, and gastrointestinal complaints were the most common indications. A substantial proportion of respondents reported using prescription only medicines, including antibiotics, without physician consultation. Antibiotic misuse was significantly higher among rural respondents (68%) compared to urban respondents (32%), reflecting limited access to qualified healthcare providers and greater reliance on nonprofessional dispensers in rural communities. Self-medication in Bangladesh is driven primarily by nonprofessional treatment advice and inappropriate access to prescription medicines, including antibiotics. These practices pose significant risks for antimicrobial resistance and unsafe drug use. Strengthening regulation of pharmacy dispensing, restricting nonprescription antibiotic sales, and implementing targeted public health education are critical to promoting rational medicine use.
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