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Quantifying the Risks of Self-Medication: A Statistical analysis of Commonly Misused Drugs in Bangladesh

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Protiti Sahajee Prachi
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Mirza Tahmid Sarowar
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
S. M. Anzir Mahmud
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Masrur Marsad Saroj
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Background: Self-medication (SM) has become a frequent practice among the people of Bangladesh. Self medication presents several risks, from faulty self-diagnosis and drug interactions to antibiotic resistance and poor health outcomes. However, the major risks associated with self-medication have rarely been studied. Therefore, this study presents a clear and statistical view of self medication and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: This study was conducted using a secondary data analysis approach. Data were collected from government publications, NGO reports, and media sources spanning from 2000 to 2024. These sources provided data on the drugs most commonly used for self-medication, reported cases of self-medication, hospitalization rates, public awareness campaigns, and related national health events. The collected data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify common patterns in self-medication behaviors. Results: From the year 2000 to 2024, the number of recorded cases of self-medication increased by 200%, from 1,200 to 3,600. For 13 out of those 25 years, antibiotics were the most misused medications, with sedatives and painkillers coming in second and third. Hospitalizations increased from 150 to 390, a 160% increase. Despite increased public awareness, the practice of self-medication continued, suggesting that awareness alone was insufficient to reduce health risks. Conclusion: The study reveals that self-medication and health risks are on the rise in Bangladesh, especially those related to antibiotics. This suggests the need for better access to professional healthcare, as raising awareness alone is not enough.

Keywords

Keywords-: Self-medication Self-diagnosis Antibiotic Sedatives Painkillers.

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication: Conference 
  • Conference Name: 1st National BioMed Health ResearchCon (NBHRC) 2025, Dhaka Medical College
  • Date of Conference: 28/08/2025 - 28/08/2025
  • Venue: Dr.milon Auditorium, Dhaka Medical College
  • Organizer: Dhaka Medical College Research & Academic Club
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