An Investigation on Self-Medication Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among the Indian Population

Background: Self-medication has both negative and beneficial effects on people's health, as the COVID-19 epidemic has demonstrated. The goal of the study is to look into the epidemiology of self-medicated medications used for respiratory symptoms, as a COVID-19 preventive, for its symptoms, or after a positive COVID-19 test, and to see how symptom relief is viewed in India, as well as what demographic factors encourage self-medication. Methods: Using a trial version of Qualtrics Core XM software to prototype 24 surveys, a webbased questionnaire was built, tested, and disseminated in several Indian states. Result: In the survey, 519 candidates participated. 43% of respondents reported that all symptoms were relieved. However, just 39% of all respondents took the government-recommended Ayushkwath, and 56% took a vitamin C tablet to improve immunity. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and azithromycin were shown to be the most commonly used medications for various symptoms, including fever, weariness, cough, sneezing, loose motion, and immune boost, and breathing problems. Conclusion: Self-medication was common, with many people taking drugs for which there was little scientific evidence. The frequency of self-medication was connected to age, region, and employment position.