Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Use of Over-The-Counter Medicines among Adults

Authors

Mrs Saleeka Sherin

BSc Nursing students, KMCT College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala (India)

Mrs Fathima Sherif

BSc Nursing students, KMCT College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala (India)

Mr Farhan Muneer

BSc Nursing students, KMCT College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala (India)

Ms Fathimath Simla

BSc Nursing students, KMCT College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala (India)

Ms Shahana Sharin

BSc Nursing students, KMCT College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala (India)

Shine Thomas

Vice Principal, KMCT College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala (India)

Article Information

DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.13010206

Subject Category: Nursing

Volume/Issue: 13/1 | Page No: 2356-2364

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-01-31

Accepted: 2026-02-06

Published: 2026-02-17

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are commonly used worldwide to treat minor ailments without prescriptions. As their accessibility grows, self-medication has become common among adults, offering convenient relief and easing healthcare demands, though misuse risks adverse reactions, hidden serious illnesses, and interactions.
A descriptive design assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of OTC use via closed-ended self-administered questionnaires and Likert scales. The sample included 100 adults aged 21-40 from KMCT hospital, selected through non-probability convenience sampling, with tools covering demographics, knowledge (semi-structured), attitudes (Likert), and practices (self-structured). Data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics.
Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of OTC medicines, moderate attitudes toward their use, and moderate practices. Practice levels showed significant associations with variables like age.

Keywords

Knowledge, attitude, practice, OTC medication

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References

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