Cross-sectional study: prevalence of self-medication among diabetic patients in Hospital Teluk Intan

Background: Supplement or traditional medications are taken by diabetes patients for reasons. Some benefits of taking traditional and supplement medications as they can provide energy for the patient. However, irrational use of medications can result in serious adverse effect.

Objectives: Objectives of the study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-medication and factors affecting self-medication among diabetic patients attending HTI Perak.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in HTI Perak from September 2017 until January 2018 to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication among the diabetic patients attending HTI, Perak. Patients diagnosed with diabetes attending HTI were recruited to answer the questionnaire. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and association between self-medication and demographic factors were tested using Chi-square test.

Results: Among 100 of respondents, 29% practised self-medication. The main reason for practicing self-medication was personal interest. About 65% of the patients got the information about their supplements and traditional medicines from their family members and friends. A total of the diabetic patients who practised self-medication got the herbal medicine and health supplement from the retailers. Meanwhile, only 21% of the diabetic patients do skip the recommended dose of medication supplied by the hospital. In addition, 78% of diabetic patients do follow doctor’s recommendation when they self-medicate.

Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication practice among Diabetic patients in HTI was low. There was a significant association between self-medication practices with ethnicity, residence and educational level.