A Survey on Proportion and Consequence of Self-Medication of Anti-Ulcer Drugs Among Undergraduate Student

Abstract

Gastric ulcers are a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. They are characterized by the formation of open sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine, and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Anti-ulcer drugs are commonly used to treat gastric ulcers, but their prevalence and consequences of use among undergraduate students are not well understood. This survey paper aims to investigate the prevalence and consequences of anti-ulcer drug use among undergraduate students. The study was conducted among 100 undergraduate students from various universities using a selfadministered questionnaire. The findings of the study showed that a considerable number of undergraduate students have used anti-ulcer drugs, with a majority using antacid and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as the most commonly used type. The main reasons for use were acidity, heart burn, chest pain, sour stomach. Some students reported experiencing adverse effects such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Overall, this study highlights the need for education and awareness campaigns targeted towards undergraduate students regarding the risks and benefits of anti-ulcer drug use.