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Indian Journal of Preventive Medicine 12(2):p 61-66, July-December 2024. | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpm.2321.5917.12224.2
Review Article
Behind the White Coat: Understanding Self-Medication Practices in Healthcare Professionals: A Review of Prevalence, Motivations, Risks, and Preventive Strategies
Sravan Saikumar Putla,, Minal Bhatia, Kamaljeet Deswal
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Indian Journal of Preventive Medicine 12(2):p 61-66, July-December 2024. | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpm.2321.5917.12224.2
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Timeline
Received : September 12, 2024
Accepted : January 21, 2024
Published : December 31, 2024
Abstract
Background: Self-medication among healthcare professionals is a pervasive issue with significant implications for personal well-being and patient care quality. Despite their medical expertise, healthcare workers frequently engage in self-prescribing, which can pose substantial risks. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the prevalence, motivations, risks, and preventive strategies related to self-medication in healthcare professionals, and to propose measures to address this issue effectively. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies from various disciplines and regions. Data were collected from peer-reviewed articles, clinical reports, and case studies focusing on self-medication practices among healthcare workers. Results: Self-medication is alarmingly common among healthcare professionals. Key contributing factors include easy access to medications, time constraints, professional self-reliance, and a reluctance to seek external medical help. Risks associated with selfmedication include misdiagnosis, improper drug usage, adverse reactions, and potential dependency or substance abuse. The entrenched culture of self-reliance in healthcare can further exacerbate these risks, leading to normalized risky practices. Preventive Strategies: To address self-medication, the review recommends several strategies: increasing awareness through targeted education, fostering a supportive work environment that encourages seeking professional medical advice, and implementing institutional policies to regulate self-prescribing behaviors. Conclusion: Addressing self-medication among healthcare professionals requires a multifaceted approach that balances the health of professionals with patient safety. Shifting the culture from self-reliance to seeking appropriate medical care is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and maintaining professional integrity.
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Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| September 12, 2024 | January 21, 2024 | December 31, 2024 |
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpm.2321.5917.12224.2
Keywords
Self-medication;DrugUsage;Drug UsageAdverse Reactions;DependencySelf prescribing BehaviorMedical Care.Article Level Metrics
Last UpdatedFriday 17 July 2026, 05:54:34 (IST)
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Timeline
| Received | September 12, 2024 |
| Accepted | January 21, 2024 |
| Published | December 31, 2024 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
