Risk factors associated with self-medication among the indigenous communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

BACKGROUND: In developing countries like Bangladesh, self-medication has become a predicament associated with health risks and clinical complications. To date, no studies have been conducted on the practice of self-medication among the indigenous population living in Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT). OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and analyzing the factors associated with it among the indigenous population in CHT. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from late October to early December 2020; among different indigenous group populations residing in the three districts of CHT aged 18 or more. A pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, health status, frequency of self-medication, reasons for self-medication in last one year, as well…