Exploring the Utilization of Household Drugs over Professional Healthcare in Islamabad, Pakistan: A Qualitative Study of Health Care Seeking Behavior

Abstract

Self-medication, or the use of home medications without professional advice, is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in poor nations such as Pakistan. Due to limited access to healthcare, economic hurdles, and poor infrastructure, many people rely on over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, natural cures, and unused prescription prescriptions. Self-medication is common in Pakistan as a result of these systemic difficulties, which has a significant influence on healthcare results. Globally, self-medication rates vary, with Pakistan having a rate of around 81%. Misuse of both over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals can pose major health hazards. Study seeks to investigate the socio-cultural and economic elements that drive self-medication among Pakistan's disadvantaged communities, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of individuals' motives and actions. Three research questions were formulated. This qualitative study investigated the reasons and motives for using home medications rather than professional treatment, as well as the difficulties that people confront while seeking healthcare services. Data gathering took place during four months, from November 2023 to February 2024. Using a phenomenological method, the research investigated people' actual experiences, based on theories originally proposed by Husserl (1913) and elaborated by Heidegger (1927). The research population comprised people from all socioeconomic strata in Islamabad, and interviews were done in both slum regions and more affluent sectors to get a diverse variety of opinions. Spiritual beliefs, economic restrictions, dependence on home medicines, and convenience all contribute to self-medication. While some individuals understood the dangers of self-medication, especially for youngsters, the majority avoided seeking medical attention. Raising awareness, increasing healthcare affordability, and launching media efforts to highlight the risks of self-medication were among the suggested remedies.