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International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing

P-ISSN: 2664-2298, E-ISSN: 2664-2301
International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing
Printed Journal   |   Refereed Journal   |   Peer Reviewed Journal
Peer Reviewed Journal
International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing
2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B
A descriptive study to assess the perception and practice regarding over the counter (OTC) drug and self-medication in reducing dysmenorrhoea among adolescents at selected higher secondary schools of Mirza Kamrup (R), Assam

Anushree Kalita, Prerana Das, Krishna Changmai and Sulochana Salam

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is a term of Greek origin which means “painful monthly bleeding.” It is one of the most common gynaecological problems among adolescents. Self-medication is an important worldwide public health issue affecting children and adolescents. The most frequently self-medicated, over-the-counter (OTC) drug and prescription-only medicines were analgesics and antibiotics, respectively. Understanding the links between various factors promoting Self-Medication and Over the Counter (OTC) drugs can be helpful in deriving strategies aimed at reducing drug-related health risks among adolescents.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among adolescent girls in the selected higher secondary schools of Mirza. A total of 100 adolescent girls were selected using the convenient sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The result of the study shows that most of the adolescents have Neutral Perception (69%), while 11% have Favourable Perception and 20% have Unfavourable Perception regarding Over the Counter (OTC) drug and Self-Medication in reducing Dysmenorrhoea. There is a statistically significant association between perception and age (p-value = 0.002). Regarding practice, most adolescents have Average practice (54%), while 21% have Good Practice and 25% have Poor Practice. There is a statistically significant association between practice and selected demographic variables such as parent’s education level, age of menarche, duration of menstrual periods, and duration of pain (p-values = 0.007, 0.002, 0.03, 0.01, 0.002 respectively).
Conclusion: The current study has shown that most participants have neutral perception and average practice regarding over the counter (OTC) drug and self-medication in reducing dysmenorrhea. There is a clear need for integrated public health strategies and educational interventions to promote safer medication practices.

Pages : 113-117 | 141 Views | 53 Downloads


International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing
How to cite this article:
Anushree Kalita, Prerana Das, Krishna Changmai, Sulochana Salam. A descriptive study to assess the perception and practice regarding over the counter (OTC) drug and self-medication in reducing dysmenorrhoea among adolescents at selected higher secondary schools of Mirza Kamrup (R), Assam. Int J Obstetrics Gynaecological Nurs 2025;7(2):113-117. DOI: 10.33545/26642298.2025.v7.i2b.224
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