The Role of the Internet in Influencing Self-Medication Behaviors Among Urban Residents in India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to understand the influence of the internet on self-medication practices amongst the laypeople residing across the three urban centres (Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai). Methodology: This cross-sectional study explores the role of the internet in influencing self-medication behaviours among urban residents in three Indian cities: Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. A web-based questionnaire was administered to adults aged 18 and above, excluding medical and allied medical students, resulting in 350 valid responses. Results The findings reveal that 34.5% of respondents had engaged in self-medication in the past three months, with 35.5% of them citing the internet as a source of information for self-medication decisions. The study identified the most common reasons for self-medication, such as minor ailments not necessitating a healthcare provider's consultation (36%) and the convenience of timesaving (35.4%). Internet usage was more prevalent among participants aged 21–40 years, with Bengaluru reporting the highest internet-based self-medication instances (62%). When examining the role of the internet in self-medication, the study found that it significantly influenced decision-making in 26.7% of the cases. Participants primarily used internet search engines (87%) to gather information, with a focus on drug prices (60%) and common adverse effects (19%). Importantly, this study assessed the risk of adverse events associated with internet-based self-medication and found no statistically significant difference when compared to self-medication based on old prescriptions or advice from family and friends. Conclusion This study sheds light on the evolving patterns of self-medication practices in urban India, highlighting the growing role of the Internet as a source of information. While concerns about the internet's influence on self-medication exist, the study's findings suggest that it does not pose a significantly higher risk of adverse events compared to traditional sources of information. Further research on self-medication behaviours across diverse populations and regions is warranted to gain a comprehensive understanding of this prevalent healthcare practice.