Level of Public Knowledge Regarding Self-Medication of Cough Medicine in Watugede Village RT 07 RW 15 Singosari.

Abstract

Self-medication, also known as self-medication, is the act of treating symptoms or illnesses without requiring a doctor's prescription. Coughing is a minor complaint that is often the reason people practice self-medication. Although self-medication can be beneficial, if done incorrectly, it can have negative impacts. This study aims to analyze the level of knowledge of the Watugede Village community regarding self-medication for cough medicine. The study design used a descriptive observational cross-sectional approach and involved 65 respondents selected by accidental sampling. Data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire that had been tested for validity (r = 0.558–0.672) and reliability (α = 0.747). The results showed that the majority of respondents had good knowledge (89%), followed by sufficient knowledge (9%) and poor knowledge (2%). Respondents were predominantly female (71%), aged 20–29 years (43%), working as housewives (34%), and obtaining drug information primarily from health workers (45%). This good knowledge was influenced by factors such as productive age, the role of health workers, and ease of access to information. In conclusion, the level of knowledge of the Watugede Village community regarding self-medication for cough medicine is relatively good, but ongoing health education is needed to maintain and expand drug literacy in the community.