Table 3. Duration, triggering factors and reasons for self-medication.
| Questions | Frequency n (%) |
|---|---|
| Duration of self-medication usage | |
| Few days | 99 (59.6) |
| Few weeks | 16 (9.6) |
| Till condition subsides | 51 (30.7) |
| Triggering factor | |
| Toothache | 101 (60.8) |
| Gum bleeding | 18 (10.8) |
| Bad breath | 12 (7.2) |
| Swelling | 10 (6.0) |
| Others | 20 (15.1) |
| Reason for self-medication | |
| Lack of time | 46 (27.7) |
| Lack of money | 7 (4.2) |
| Previous experience of treating similar illness | 101 (60.8) |
| Traditional belief | 4 (2.4) |
| Unavailability of doctors | 2 (1.2) |
| Others | 6 (3.6) |
| Feeling after self-medication | |
| Temporary pain relief | 86 (51.8) |
| Effective | 52 (31.3) |
| Useful in stressful condition | 16 (9.6) |
| Unsure about effects | 5 (3.0) |
| Curative in nature | 6 (3.6) |
| Cheaper action | 1 (0.6) |