Prevalence and Patterns Over-the-Counter Medication in Kandahar City
Keywords: Over-the-Counter Medicines (OTC), Kandahar City, Self-Medication, Determinants of Self-Medication, Health Implications, Access to Medicines
Mohammad Hassan Hasand
Abstract
Over the counter (OTC) medications are widely used without a physician's prescription due to their easy accessibility and low cost. This phenomenon represents a significant public health concern, as inappropriate use leads to increased health risks. In many developing countries, including Afghanistan, the use of OTC medications is common, yet epidemiological data remain limited. This study assesses the prevalence, determinants, and health impacts of OTC medication use among the general population of Kandahar city. A cross-sectional design is employed, and data are collected from 384 participants (n=384) using a structured questionnaire. Information on demographic characteristics, patterns of OTC use, reasons for self-medication, and awareness levels is gathered and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statitistics. The results indicate that participants are nearly equally distributed by gender (male 50.5%, female 49.5%), with the majority aged 18–24 years (53.9%). The most commonly used OTC medications are for colds (28.8%), pain (23%), and fever (18.4%). Key factors influencing usage include previous experience (50.39%), low cost, and drug popularity. Approximately 77% of participants follow package instructions, yet 5.95% report issues related to dependency, and 4.76% report problems due to excessive use. These findings highlight that OTC medication use is widespread in Kandahar, while public awareness regarding self-medication remains limited. This situation raises concerns about potential health risks, antibiotic resistance, and inappropriate drug use. Public awareness campaigns, improved access to healthcare services, and strengthened regulatory oversight of pharmacies are essential to mitigate these challenges.
