A study to assess Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) related to the use of Over‑The‑Counter (OTC) drugs among adults living in an urban community in Mumbai

Abstract

Background: The use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications has become an integral part of modern health care across the globe. OTC drugs are those medicines that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription and are used for the prevention or treatment of minor ailments such as fever, cold, headache, acidity, diarrhea, or allergies. These drugs are often perceived as safe and convenient, which has led to their widespread use among people of all age groups. However, improper knowledge, inappropriate attitude, and unsafe practices related to OTC drugs can result in serious health consequences such as drug interactions, masking of underlying diseases, development of antibiotic resistance, and even toxicity. In developing countries like India, the sale and consumption of OTC medications are growing rapidly due to several socio-economic and cultural factors. Easy availability of drugs through local pharmacies, medical stores, and even online platforms has made self-medication a common behavior, especially among adults. The lack of strict enforcement of drug regulation policies, limited access to health care services, long waiting times in hospitals, and the desire for quick relief encourage individuals to purchase and consume drugs without professional consultation. In urban areas of Maharashtra, the problem is due to the fast-paced lifestyle, high literacy levels, and easy access to medical stores. Many adults prefer taking advice from friends, relatives, or even online sources rather than consulting qualified health professionals. Advertisements on television, social media, and print media also influence people’s decisions to use OTC medications, often leading to misuse or overuse. For example, the overuse of antibiotics and painkillers has contributed to a growing problem of antimicrobial resistance and organ damage. Aim: “A study to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to the use of over?the?counter (OTC) drugs among adults living in an urban community in Mumbai.” Objective: To measure the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to the use of over?the?counter (OTC) drugs among adults living in an urban community in Mumbai. Method and Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study using structured questionnaire was used to asses the knowledge, attitude and practice Result: When assessing knowledge, 47% of participants correctly identified what OTC drugs are, while 23% were unsure, and 30% had incorrect perceptions. Although 78% were aware that OTC medications may cause side effects, only 35% understood safety precautions such as checking expiry dates, reading labels, and following recommended dosages. Regarding attitudes and usage, 80% of respondents reported using OTC drugs for self-medication. The most common health problems treated included headache, fever, and body pain. The most frequently used medications was paracetamol reflecting a preference for easily accessible analgesics and antipyretics. Pharmacies and medical shops were the primary sources of these medications. A strong awareness need was identified, as 86% of participants expressed that educational programs are necessary to improve safe OTC drug use and reduce the risks associated with misuse or overuse. Conclusion: The findings emphasize that while OTC medications offer convenience, affordability, and quick relief, inappropriate and unsupervised use may lead to adverse health outcomes, drug resistance, and masking of serious conditions.