title: Self-medication for Acne among Undergraduate Medical Students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and pattern of self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was conducted in II MBBS (Group A), III MBBS Part I (Group B), and III MBBS Part II (Group C) students. Prevalidated questionnaire about knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication were administered to participants. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Chi-square test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 582 students who responded to questionnaire, 518 suffered from acne. Self-medication practice was observed in 59.2% students. Significantly higher number of female students practiced self-medication (P< 0.0001). Most common source of information was seniors/friends/family members (34.2%). The mildness of illness (42.3%) was the most common reason of self-medication. A total mean score of knowledge was significantly higher in Group C as compared to Group A (P< 0.001) and Group B (P< 0.05). Allopathic medication was preferred by 69.8% students. Seventy-five percentage students read leaflet/package insert/label instruction and expiry date of the medicines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participating students lack the knowledge about self-medication for acne. Adequate knowledge and awareness about the appropriate use of medication will reduce the practice of self-medication and improve rational prescribing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Varshaben Vejabhai
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Karamata
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gandhi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Desai
keywords: Acne; self-medication; undergraduate medical students