Over the Counter: Self-Care or Self-Harm? A Mixed Method Study Protocol on Prevalence and Determinants of...

Background Self-medication (SM), a common practice globally, possesses a dual challenge of being a self-care strategy and a potential source of harm observed across all age groups. The study is being conducted to gauge the prevalence of SM of prescription drugs with their over-the-counter access, thus addressing the delicate balance between self-care and self-harm related to SM. Material and methods This ongoing convergent parallel mixed method study with quantitative and qualitative components will be conducted on a sample size of 180 subjects aged more than 18 years from an urban community. For the quantitative component, a semi-structured questionnaire will assess the prevalence of SM, types of medications used, reasons for self-medicating, and socio-demographic factors influencing these practices. Concurrently, qualitative interviews delve deeper into the beliefs shaping SM practices. Sampling will be purposive to capture diverse perspectives, with data analyzed using statistical tools. Results This study protocol will offer a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and determinants of SM practices. The quantitative data provide numerical insights into SM trends, while the qualitative findings elucidate the nuanced factors driving individuals' SM choices. Conclusions A multifaceted view of SM practices will be provided, aiding in developing interventions to promote safe and effective self-care while mitigating the risks of self-harm through SM. Anticipated findings can include a widespread prevalence of SM amongst the general urban populace. Significant associations can also be expected to be found with various independent variables. The results will be instrumental in informing public health policies and healthcare practices toward enhancing patient safety and well-being.