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Self-medication: An important aspect of primary health care

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  • Abosede, O. A.

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine the degree to which individuals practised self-medication in relation to their educational status. Kalutara, a small town in Sri-Lanka is semi-urban and has a good mixture of literates and illiterates. Important findings include the fact that knowledge of drugs was grossly inadequate, literates self-medicated far more than illeterates and a high percentage of the total sample population by-passed other health personnel in preference for Western trained doctors. Self-medication, though desirable, can be dangerous and should be emphasized as a component of primary health care because (i) it is commonly practised even where health professionals are easily accessible, (ii) it encourages self-reliance for curative, preventive, promotive and rehabilatative care and (iii) literacy, which seems to enhance its practice, is increasing worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Abosede, O. A., 1984. "Self-medication: An important aspect of primary health care," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 19(7), pages 699-703, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:19:y:1984:i:7:p:699-703
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    Cited by:

    1. Shahaduz Zaman, 2007. "Health Domain of the Ultra Poor: An Exploration," Working Papers id:1002, eSocialSciences.
    2. Edgeworth, Ross & Collins, Andrew E., 2006. "Self-care as a response to diarrhoea in rural Bangladesh: Empowered choice or enforced adoption?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(10), pages 2686-2697, November.

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