Objective: To assess the frequencyof self-medication amongst the residents of urban squatter settlement near PNS Shifa Karachiand to assess the factors leading to this practice.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the city of Karachi. The subjects were the community in general. A total of 60 subjects were enrolled and were either interviewed face-to-face or were asked to fill out the questionnaire relating to their self-medication practice.
Results: Out of 60 subjects, 38 (63.3%) preferred the practice of self-medication. Minor ailment was the main reason for self-medication, 27 (45%) subjects responded headache as the most common reason and paracetamol was the most frequently used drug for self medication. It was used by 44(73.3%) of the subjects
Conclusion: The practice of self medication is high in the community and there is a need to develop awareness of self-medication practice in the public along with restrictions for the pharmacies providing drugs without prescription
