Self-medication practices in the Santhal community: insights into knowledge, practices and attitudes

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background To assess the prevalence, knowledge, practices and attitudes related to self-medication among the Santhal tribal community of Santhal Pargana, Jharkhand, India. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 participants from June to December 2024 among adults aged ≥20 years residing in villages served by primary health centres in Santhal Pargana. Participants who reported self-medication during the preceding 3 months were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, knowledge, practices and attitudes towards self-medication. Results Self-medication was reported by 85% (87/102) of the participants in the preceding 3 months. Pain relievers (49%; 50/102) and cold medications (39%; 40/102) were the most commonly used. Most respondents demonstrated an average level of knowledge (70%; 71/102) and a favourable attitude (72%; 74/102) towards self-medication. The primary reasons for self-medication were perceived mild illness (53%; 54/102) and easy access to medicines (21%; 22/102). Conclusion Self-medication practices were highly prevalent in the Santhal community in India. Although attitudes towards self-medication were generally favourable, gaps in knowledge and potentially unsafe practices were observed. Targeted educational interventions and strengthening primary healthcare services are essential to promote rational medicine use in this tribal population.