Author Name:- Prachi Sachdev / Date:- December 2023
Abstract
The phenomenon of self-medication is a prevalent yet underexplored aspect of healthcare behavior in India. Self-medication basically means administering medication to oneself without medical supervision. It is a widespread health behavior in India, often employed to manage mild physical illnesses. This research seeks to uncover the intricate psychological factors that drive individuals in India to engage in self-medication practices for such conditions. By uncovering the psychology behind self-medication, this study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in health psychology and inform public health strategies. The study delves into the cultural, social, and cognitive dimensions that influence decision-making in self-treatment strategies.
The research highlights not only the impact of psychological factors but also the impact of cultural factors on self-medication behavior, including traditional beliefs in herbal remedies, family influences, and perceptions of medical institutions in India. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research explores the multifaceted aspects of self-medication behavior.
Drawing from established theories in health psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology, the study identifies key determinants such as perceived control, autonomy, stigma, accessibility, and prior experiences. These factors contribute to the decision-making process when individuals choose to self-medicate for mild conditions, both mental and physical.
Keeping the above in view, data is collected from secondary resources like journals, newspapers, books, articles, reviews of law and legislation, etc. The data is also collected through face-to-face interviews with people from diverse age groups to understand their experiences, attitudes and opinions regarding the self-medication and challenges faced. The participants for the interview were conveniently selected, and a total of 50 interviews were conducted, of which 23 were women and 27 were men. The age of the participants was divided into two groups of 20-40 age group and 40-65 age group for better understanding of intergenerational gaps and similarities.
Findings from this research carry implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health campaigns in India. By comprehensively understanding the psychology behind self-medication, interventions can be developed to enhance health literacy, promote informed self-care practices, and encourage more open communication between individuals and healthcare professionals. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of self-medication as a culturally embedded practice, paving the way for context-specific strategies to ensure the safe and effective management of mild mental and physical illnesses in India
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