Materials and Inventory Essay

In the S, T, and P facilities, it has been identified that some of the manufacturing processes are related with one another. Due to the interrelatedness and the other problems seen from the different facilities, it is seen that a problem from one facility affects the others. This is observed to be especially true for the area of the management and inventory control. Materials management is oftentimes associated to inventory control and this is defined as the act of â€Å"managing the organization’s raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and products in-transit† (Griffin, 2002 as cited in Adam & Sammon, 2004, p. 28). The primary focus of the materials and inventory management involve being accountable for all WIP and stock, coordination with the suppliers in order to organize production requirements, maintain a desirable inventory level, manage the processes related to physical inventory audits, establish automated forms of inventory systems, manage the condition and coding of the materials, coordinate with or manage the purchasing department, discuss with major suppliers regarding the prices and terms, choose new suppliers, ensure that the methods in existence are in sync with the changes in the environment (Charvet, 1997). The importance of these processes would lie on the need for materials and inventory in creating a long-term advantage in terms of competitive grounds (Jamal et al., 2007). Upon a review of the situation for the three facilities, there are several findings that are worth noting. First, the frequency as to when the accessory parts run out in S facility is seen to be declared on a habitual interval. The causes and implications of this could include that the T and P facilities are not able to meet the demands of the S facility because identification of the quantity is not fully carried out by the T and P facilities. Moreover, it could be that there are problems with the shipping schedule from the T and P facilities wherein the time as to when the accessories are needed in the S facilities is not clearly identified or unknown that is why shipments are not organized. Second, formal receipt of the materials needed for production in the T and P facilities is not present as well as a system in order to reflect this to have arrived at the T and P facilities in order to acknowledge the shipment from the S facility. The establishment of a system would also entail the need for the creation of a formal receiving dock where shipments pass through. It allows for the inspection of the shipments and the respective entry into the inventory system of the respective facility. Third, concerns arise, too, with the wasted productions due to malfunctioning equipment or wrong materials used. Incidences such as this could be experienced when routine maintenance on the equipment and evaluation of the materials is not carried out to ensure that errors are minimized. In light of the problems identified for the materials and inventory aspect, there are recommended measures that are used in order to resolve the problems. First, it is necessary for the facilities to have a computerized inventory system wherein the necessary parts are interrelated with one another. The benefit derived from having a computerized system for the inventory control is attributed to its ability to organize the data of the organization in an efficient manner and the reduced costs associated with inventory control (Palmer, 2005). Second, there is the need to provide for a receiving dock for the shipments wherein the materials shipped are immediately entered into the system to reflect both an acknowledgement receipt and confirmation to the other facility from which it came from. This makes inventory easier as it is done as the shipments are brought in which means that it is always update. Third, training with regard to the evaluation and maintenance of the equipment should be provided to the employees who are responsible for this. Likewise, there should be a regular schedule for assessment of equipment condition and materials to ensure that disruptions and errors are kept to a minimum. References Adam, F. & Sammon, D. (2004). The enterprise resource planning decade: Lessons learned and issues for the future. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing. Charvet, S. (1997). Words that change minds: Mastering the language of influence. (2nd ed. ). Author’s Choice Publishing. Dubuque, IO: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. Jamal, N. M. , Mastor, N. H. , Saat, M. M. , Ahmad, M. F. , and Abdullah, D. F. (2007). Cost and management accounting: An introduction. Johor Darul Ta’zim: Muapaat Jaya Percitakan Sdn. Bhd. Palmer,D. (2005). Maintenance planning and scheduling handbook. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional.

Media Impacts on Children’s Rights Essay

Child abuse gives most people a vision of the faults and blunders of the society. Child mistreatment is one of the most common crimes committed in the present. As for the Philippines, one can find vital statistics to certain crimes at the Bantay Bata 163 website (http://www.abs-cbn.com/bantaybata163). According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 6,494 cases of child abuse were reported for the year of 2006 alone. Indeed, the government and certain non-government organizations must deal with these incidents of child abuse particularly the mass media. This paper examines the role of the media in relation to child abuse and child protection and argues that the media have been essential to the task of placing the problem of child abuse in the minds of the public and on the political agenda. THE MASS MEDIA According to YourDictionary.com, Mass Media is those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people, especially newspapers, popular magazines, radio, and television. Mass Media are those media that are created to be consumed by immense number of population worldwide and also a direct contemporary instrument of mass communication. Nonetheless, Mass Media is considered as the fourth estate of the society as well. It is the fourth branch of the government. It is the voice and weapon of the people and the society as whole. Mass media has various purposes, first is for entertainment, traditionally through performances of acting, music, and sports, along with light reading but since the late 20th century it can also be through video and computer games. Next is for public service announcement which is intended to modify public attitudes by raising awareness about specific issues like health and safety. And lastly is for advocacy. This can be for  both business and social concerns. This can include advertising, marketing, propaganda, public relations and political communication. MEDIA AND HUMAN RIGHTS As stated by the Secretary- General of the United Nations in 1998, Human Rights are ‘what reason requires and what conscience commands’ (Mizuta, 2000). It is commonly recognized that human rights are firm foundations of human existence and co-existence. It is for these human rights that the United Nations is engaged in securing the basic conditions of life, in ensuring peace, development, a safe environment, food, shelter, education, participation, equal opportunities and protection against intolerance in any form. The Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights expicitly states that: ‘every individual and every organ of the society, keeping this Declaration constatly inmind, shall strive by teaching education to promote respect for these rights and freedom’ (Hamelink, 2000). With this, we can say that all (including different institutions) are responsible in promoting human rights. Mass media present the opportunity to communicate to large numbers of people and to target particular groups of people. As observed by Gamble and Gamble (1999), mass communication is significantly different from other forms of communication. They note that mass communication has the capacity to reach ‘simultaneously’ many thousands of people who are not related to the sender. It depends on ‘technical devices’ or ‘machines’ to quickly distribute messages to diverse audiences often unknown to each other. Thus, media in relation to human rights shows a exceptional characteristic in promoting it. CHILD ABUSE In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. The physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect of children have a long recorded history. In the mid to late 1800s, it was reported that children were often sexually assaulted, that children reported honestly about their abuse, and that the perpetrators of abuse were often the children’s fathers and brothers (Olafsen, Corwin and Summit 1993). Every year, millions of children across the world are becoming innocent helpless targets of atrocities. They are the sufferers of ill-treatment, exploitation, and brutality. They are part of human trafficking to induce into prostitution rackets. In terror prone regions, they are kidnapped from their homes and schools and their innocent childhood is forced into the army to witness the brunt of cruelty. They are enforced into debt repression or other kinds of slavery. In Metro Manila, according to Australian study, urbanization and migration continuously increase, children are often forced by circumstances to help their families earn a living. Most street children are of poor parents who have migrated from rural areas to find better job opportunities in the city, but lack of education renders them ill-equipped to earn or survive in the city. Street children have a bleak present and an uncertain future. Life in the street is a constant struggle to overcome the various negative elements that threaten to overtake and destroy the hope for survival. The street child works under the heat of the sun or in the dark of the night from 6 to 16 hours, seven days a week, often in a combination of â€Å"occupations† each considered their only means to survive. In the cities, neglected and abandoned children find themselves in the streets fending for themselves and vulnerable to the various evils of the urban jungle such as drug addiction, crimes and commercial sexual exploitation. Children who are neglected or abandoned are easy prey not only to accidents but to commercial sexual exploitation, drugs, crime and unwanted pregnancies. Incidents of child abuse is still on the rise especially  child sexual abuse. Also on the rise are reports of physical abuse and maltreatment of children. According to the statistics, there are approximately 40,000 to 50,000 street children of all categories in Metro Manila. Studies conducted reveal that the number of street children range from 2 to 3% of the child and adult population. The national project on street children estimated the number of street children at over 220,000 in 65 major cities as of 1993. There are now about 350 government and non government agencies that are responding to street childre n and their families. The government has given special focus on helping street children with programs focused on health and nutrition, educational assistance, parenting sessions, livelihood and skills training, residential care, foster care and adoption. However for as long as there would be squatter colonies sprouting in urban areas and for as long as there are not enough jobs, street children will continue to dominate in the streets. In a 1993 survey of households, some 16% of households surveyed have children below 12 years old who are left unattended with no supervising adult in the house. This translates to one in six households where children are without adult supervision. The consequences of child abuse are overwhelmingly disturbing. It denies a child its basic right-education. While violence and abuse pose a threat to their life, it also offers more devastating adverse effects on their mental and physical health. Often it leads to homelessness, resulting in increased number of cases of vagrancy giving birth to a feeling of depression. To worsen the scenario, these victims are more likely to abuse their own children in future, thanks to the deep impact on their mind and the cycle will continue forever. Though the agony and the plight of these children remain suppressed in silence, the brunt of their exploitation is very real. Although, the whole world is morally fuming at the abuse children endure. Yet, protection laws against child abuse commonly meet with confrontation at all strata of society. Like the protection of human rights, child protection can also be effectively promoted through media. MEDIA ON CHILD PROTECTION The media have been essential to the growth of society’s awareness of child abuse and neglect, not so much from specific community education campaigns as through ongoing news and features reporting on specific cases, research and intervention initiatives (Gough 1996). Media representations are the primary source of information on social problems for many people (Hutson and Liddiard 1994). Specifically, it is apparent that the media’s conceptualization of children and young people, and media reporting on both physical discipline of children and child abuse, is significant in reflecting and defining society’s perceptions of children and young people (Franklin and Horwath 1996), and what is and what is not acceptable behavior towards children. In addition to news stories, feature articles, and investigative journalism, sporadic mass media education and prevention campaigns are launched. These campaigns usually endeavor to broaden community knowledge of child abuse and neglect, to influence people’s attitudes towards children and young people, and to change behaviors that contribute to, or precipitate, the problem of child abuse and neglect in our communities (Goddard and Saunders, 2002). The constructive use of mass media can assist in teaching children and young people socially desirable ways of dealing with conflict, knowledge of their rights to integrity and protection from harm, healthy eating habits and lifestyles, and ways to assert themselves and their rights in a positive, acceptable manner. In an Inquiry into the Effects of Television and Multimedia on Children and Families in Victoria, Australia, evaluations of educational television programs, designed either for pre-schoolers or for older children, have suggested their effectiveness in ‘heightening a range of social behaviors’ (Friedrich and Stein 1973), diminishing ‘the effects of stereotyping’ (Johnston and Ettema 1982), increasing ‘preparedness for adolescence’ (Singer and Singer 1994), and stimulating the discussion of ‘solutions to general social issues’ (Johnston et. al 1993). The Convention of the rights of the child provides for the right of children to access information and material to those that aimed the promotion of his or her rights. (Hamelink, 1999).Therefore, mass media as a  primary source of these information should provide the children proper knowledge of his or her rights. Also, mass media education and prevention campaigns may be designed to target children and young people, providing them with useful information and alerting them to avenues for further information, help and support. Campaigns can also use regular television programs for children. Research suggests that, at least in the short term, television viewing of such programs may increase children’s and young people’s knowledge and positively change attitudes and behaviors. Unfortunately, longitudinal studies exploring sustained effects are rare and thus inconclusive. It further notes that television ‘is one of the most popular forms of mass communication and entertainment in has been under-utilized as an educative tool’, and suggests that perhaps narrow vision has meant that the deliberate use of television simultaneously to entertain and educate has not been fully recognized. Despite this, Postman (1994) has argued that television is rapidly becoming ‘the first curriculum’, with educational institutions such as schools following behind. Further, campaigns may be designed to give children and young people an opportunity to express their views on issues that affect them, specifically targeting adult audiences that habitually ignore the views and experiences of children and young people. The UK Children’s Express is one example, as is Youth Forum in Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper. .Research on the physical punishment of children suggests, for example, that adults may be interested to hear children’s views on the issue of physical discipline, and children interviewed in the research were keen for adults to hear their views. To date, however, the media rarely, if ever, consults children and takes their views into account before reporting on the physical punishment for children (Goddard and Saunders, 2000) MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGNS †¢ EVERY CHILD IS IMPORTANT (Australia, May 2000) This primary prevention campaign used a ‘comforting’ approach and incorporated a significant mass media component (Tucci et. al2001). As outlined in ‘More action – less talk! Community responses to child abuse prevention’ (Tucci, et. al 2001), the campaign sought to: elicit a commitment from adults to adults to develop safe and non-abusive relationships with children; persuade adults to stop behaving in ways which are harmful to children; educate adults about the important needs of children; and better inform adults about the causes and consequences of child abuse. The campaign encouraged all adults to: think and view children as a source of hope; understand the developmental variables of children; respect the meaning children give to their experiences; engage positively with the principles of children’s rights; and appreciate more fully the capacities and contribution of children to the cultural and emotional life of families and communities. The campaign also addressed: the commonly held belief that children are a cost to society; the perceived suspicion that any application of the notion of children’s rights will mean an erosion of parent’s rights; and the public’s lack of understanding about the extent and nature of child abuse in Australia. The campaign continued until the end of 2001. A song, written by Van Morrison and performed by Rod Stewart, ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You’, was the focus of a television advertising campaign that aimed to stimulate people’s thoughts about the importance and value of children and how this is communicated to them. Television commercials were backed up by press and radio advertisements. In addition to advertising, the campaign sought media attention by involving Tracy Bartram, FOX FM radio personality, as an ambassador for the campaign. Media attention was drawn to the campaign’s launch. A free information kit for parents was made available, parent’s seminar sessions, featuring Michael Grose, were conducted, and a website made readily available to the public. The campaign did not receive state or federal funding but relied heavily on in-kind support from individuals and Victorian businesses. Quantum Market Research monitored the effectiveness of the campaign. In  May 2000 and October 2000 telephone interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 301 adults. Public dissemination of research outcomes formed part of the campaign strategy. Tucci et al. (2001) report that the initial research findings, five months into the campaign, revealed that: ‘Child abuse is as serious social problem that is poorly understood by the Victorian public while fifty one per cent of respondents believed the community recognized child abuse as a serious social problem and another twenty one per cent believed they accurately understood the extent and nature of child abuse in Australia, this is clearly not the case. Fifty nine per cent were unable even to guess the number of reports of child abuse received annually. Only four per cent of respondents accurately estimated the size of the problem. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents underestimated the problem by at least 90,000 reports. The idea that adults can hurt children is disturbing and likely underpins the belief by fifty one per cent of respondents that the community treats this issue seriously, but when asked to account for the extent to which children are being abused by adults, community awareness is sadly lacking.’ Eighty per cent of respondents strongly supported the need for a campaign against child abuse. Australians Against Child Abuse thus feels confident that the ‘Every Child is Important’ campaign will significantly influence public attitudes and responses to children and to child abuse. Ongoing research into the impact of the campaign will in itself be valuable in contributing to the debate about the educative and cost effectiveness of mass media campaigns aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect. †¢ NSPCC Full Stop Campaign – Primary Prevention (United Kingdom, May 1999) It has the ambitious aim of ending cruelty to children within 20 years. Costing three million pounds, it proposes to change attitudes and behaviour towards children, to make it everybody’s business to protect children, and to launch new services and approaches (Boztas, 1999). The campaign is supported by Prince Andrew, popular personalities such as the Spice Girls, the English football star Alan Shearer, and companies such as British Telecom and Microsoft. As Rudaizky (quoted in Hall 1999) explains, a pictorial theme of the campaign is people covering their eyes: ‘The theme of the eyes being covered is about people not facing up to the reality of what is happening. Our intention was not to shock but to move people into doing something about it. Child abuse is not nice to talk about. It is an upsetting subject but unless we talk about it, we will not end it.’ This objective highlights the suppression/awareness phenomenon mentioned above, and draws attention again to the need for ongoing rather than intermittent prevention campaigns. FAMILIES’ – University of Queensland Sanders et al. (2000) evaluated Families – a 12-part prevention-focused television series ‘designed to provide empirically validated parenting information in an interesting and entertaining format. The series presented a parenting model, suggesting strategies parents could use with their children. It aimed to reassure parents that it is normal for parenting to be challenging, and it hoped to increase parents’ confidence that positive changes in children’s behavior were achievable. The series also aimed to increase awareness in the community of the importance of ‘positive family relationships’ to the positive development of young people (Sanders et al. 2000). This ‘media-based television series’ was considered to be successful, specifically in relation to its impact on increasing the parenting confidence of mothers. However, Sanders et al. (2000) concluded that the impact of the series could have been increased: ‘by the strategic provision of service support systems, such as telephone information contact lines or parenting resource centers, which could be advertised as part of a coordinated media strategy planned to coincide with the airing of the television program. These services could provide information and back-up resources, such as parenting tip sheets, to parents seeking further advice after viewing the program. Staff at these centers could also identify and  refer families who may need more intensive help. †¢ BEYOND BELIEF (United Kingdom, 1992) A documentary claimed to show new evidence of satanic/ritual abuse in Britain. Following the program, helplines were overloaded with calls from people who had experienced sexual or ritual abuse. Counsellors noted that: ‘The program appeared to have given callers permission to speak of their experiences and their gratitude that someone, somewhere took what they said seriously.’ (Scott 1993) Henderson, a fellow at Glasgow University’s mass media unit, as quoted by Hellen (1998) commented that: ‘A lot of people who have suffered child abuse quite simply lack the vocabulary, because of shame or fear, to come to terms with what has happened. Provided a drama does not place blame on the child, it can be very helpful.’ †¢ BBC Screenplay It has been suggested that sometimes ‘drama reaches the parts the documentary cannot’ (Campbell 1989). Writing about Testimony of a Child, a BBC screenplay that presents ‘the other side of the Cleveland child sexual abuse saga – the story of an abused child going home to [the] abuser’, Campbell argues that sexual assault ‘presents television with terrible problems. Television is about seeing. But it censors what we need to see if we are to understand because it bows to propriety and thus contains what is knowable’ (Campbell 1989).Despite this, Campbell (1989) notes the power of fictitious drama based on fact to: ‘ invite you to think: what would you do if faced with that child’s face, his fantasies full of terror and death, his starvation, his stubborn silences, his sore bum. †¢ COLD HANDS- (New South Wales, 1993) Armstrong (1993) argued that the play portrays a week in the life of a 12 year-old girl sexually assaulted by her father and got pregnant. The  play’s focus allows the audience to gain an insight into the child’s fear and trauma, the father’s feeble rationalization and defense, and the mother’s fear of confronting the truth. Armstrong noted that the New South Wales Child Protection Council showed professional interest in the play and that plays have been used as part of child abuse awareness campaigns. The play’s director, Ritchie (as quoted by Armstrong 1993) remarked that: ‘The play is powerful, dramatic, presenting practical and emotional reality. It is confronting, but it emphasizes the fact that there is no excuse. †¢ QUESTIONS 2: Killing Tomorrow – New Zealand A documentary, screened in New Zealand in 2001, graphically depicts the lives and abuse of three children. During the documentary, a Detective Inspector informs the audience that the drama is based on the lives of real people, and the audience is told how life turned out for the children and their abusers. ‘Only those with ice in their veins could fail to be moved – and there lies the problem. In each case, one adult or more had failed to take responsibility for the safety of a defenseless child’ (Herrick 2001). Reporting in The New Zealand Herald, Herrick asks what can programs like this possibly expect to achieve. Twenty years ago, polite society didn’t even acknowledge abuse existed, let alone talk about it. So shows like this, which provoke thought and discussion, must be a sign of progress, even if the statistics say otherwise. Killing tomorrow was punishing if compelling viewing. Supported by New Zealand’s child protection authority, Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS), consider documentaries like ‘Killing Tomorrow’ to be a powerful way of educating people about the issues and what can be done to protect children. ‘We want to create an environment where child abuse is less able to exist and we’re pleased Screentime-Communicado has decided to help raise these serious issues’ (Brown, CYFS chief executive quoted in The  New Zealand Herald 28/11/01). After the program was screened there was a panel discussion of the issues presented in the documentary and CYFS booklets that provide tips on parenting were made available to the public. Child protection received 211 phone calls during the documentary and on the night it was screened. Fifty-three child abuse investigations resulted, five of which cases were considered ‘very urgent [and were] assigned immediately to social workers for investigation’ (Ward, CYFS spokesperson, quoted in The New Zealand Herald 30/11/01). Also quoted in the New Zealand Herald 30/11/01 was Simcock, the National Social Services spokesperson: ‘The documentary showed community groups were doing their best on the issue but government measures were sadly lacking the most helpful thing the government could do was to change the law that allowed parents to hit children. While the documentary appears to have raised awareness of child abuse and prompted some people to act on their suspicions of abuse and neglect, Henare, a Child Abuse Prevention Services spokesperson, noted that ‘the objective of the documentary would not be reached without enough money for community providers’ (quoted in The New Zealand Herald 30/11/01). These are only some examples of media campaigns. There were still lots more evidences the media protecting children around the globe from abuse. Though media shows a remarkable effort in the child protection system, people can not stay away from the fact that there are still several problems these media campaigns face. MEDIA PROBLEMS IN CHILD PROTECTION CAMPAIGN Journalists willing to advocate for children and young people face the challenge of counterbalancing negative images or ‘demonisation‘(Franklin and Horwath 1996) of children and, particularly, of adolescents, in print, television and film. Starkly contrasting with once popular views of  childhood as a time of innocence, less than positive images of children and young people in the media may place obstacles in the path of attempts to prevent their abuse and neglect. In 1968, 11-yearold Mary Bell murdered two boys, aged three and four in the UK. Twenty-five years later, in 1993, two ten-year-old boys murdered two-year-old Jamie Bulger in the UK, and in Australia in 1998, a ten-year-old boy was charged with drowning a six-year-old playmate. In such cases, a child being able to open his or her mind in abusive acts might be the perpetrator of maltreatment to his or her fellow. Psychologically, the Social Information Processing Theory of Aggression, comes here. According to Strasburger (1995), the central tenet of social information processing theory is that children create their own rationales to explain the behavior of others during social during social encounters. In turn, these self- generated interpretation influence children’s responses in their ongoing social interaction. Given that mental state operate in a feedback loop, it is possible that all social experiences, including those involving violent media, could influence social information processing. CONCLUSION Society sometimes fails to recognize that children are the most vulnerable group in our community, and are thus in need of the greatest protection. The social and economic costs to societies that have not prioritized children’s needs, especially the prevention of child abuse and neglect, are well documented. This paper focused on news stories, feature articles and investigative journalism. In this, we have concentrated on mass media education and prevention campaigns, television series, documentaries, and live theatre productions. It demonstrate the media’s potential power to positively influence child welfare policies, community responses to children and young people, and societal acknowledgement of, and reaction to, child abuse and neglect. It challenges those who are involved in child welfare and child protection to make greater efforts to understand media influences and to use  the media constructively. Sustained community education and prevention campaigns, using mass media communication, are integral to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. These campaigns continually confront communities with the reality of child abuse. They challenge people, institutions, and governments to listen to children and to respond to the needs of all children and families, and particularly the special needs of children who have been abused or neglected. Further, sustained mass media exposure of child abuse and neglect may publicly censure and shame perpetrators, many of whom are relatives and adults well known to the victimized child. According to Tucci (2002), the agenda for our community – and the government which represents us – should be clear. The prevention of child abuse should be a priority. However, to be effective, mass media campaigns will need to be part of a broader prevention program that includes the provision of supports and services for all children and families. There are limitations to what the media can achieve. REFERENCES: Armstrong, M. (1993), ‘The cold realities of child sex abuse’, Sydney Morning Herald, 11 November Boztas, S. (1999), Prince Andrew launches crusade against child cruelty. The Daily Telegraph, 23/3/99. Franklin, B. and Horwath, J. (1996). The media abuse of children: Jake’s progress from demonic icon to restored childhood. Child Abuse Review. Friedrich, L. and Stein, A. (1973). Aggressive and prosocial television programs and the natural behaviour of preschool children. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development Gamble, T. and Gamble, M. (1999). Communication works. McGraw Hill Publications. Goddard, C. and Saunders, B.J. (2000), The role of the media, in Project Axis – Child Sexual Abuse in Queensland: Selected Research Papers. Goddard, Chris. , Saunders, Bernadette. (2002). The role of mass media in facilitating community education and child abuse prevention strategies. Child Abuse Prevention Issues Number 16. Gough, D. (1996), â€Å"Defining the problem† Child Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 20. Hall, C. (1999), ‘NSPCC shock tactics to tackle child abuse’, The Daily Telegraph. Hamelink, Cees. (2000). Media and Human Rights. Media and Human Rights in Asia: an AMIC Compilation. Singapore: AMIC. Hellen, N. (1998), ‘Bennett pens TV child sex drama’, Sunday Times, 5 October. Herrick, L. (2001), ‘Truth of abuse too powerful to ignore’, The New Zealand Herald, 21 December Hutson, S. and Liddiard, M. (1994). Youth homelessness: The construction of a social issue. Macmillan Publication Johnston, J. and Ettema, J. (1982). Positive images: Breaking stereotypes with children’s television. Sage Publications. Johnston, J. Bauman, J. Milne, L. and Urdan, T. (1993). Taking the measure of talking with TJ: An evaluation of the first implementation of ‘talking with J’ Series 1, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan Publishers. Mizuta, Kayoko. (2000). Human Rights and Media. Media and Human Rights in Asia: an AMIC Compilation. Singapore: AMIC. Olafsen, R., Corwin, D. and Summit, R. (1993). Modern history of child sexual abuse awareness: Cycles of discovery and suppression. Child Abuse and Neglect. Postman, N. (1994). The disappearance of childhood. Vintage Books. Sanders, M.R., Montgomery, D.T. and Brechman-Toussaint, M.L. (2000), The mass-media and the prevention of child behavior problems: The evaluation of a television series to promote positive outcomes for parents and their children, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. Singer, D. and Singer, A. (1981). Television, imagination and aggression: A study of preschoolers Sage Publications. Strasburger, Victor. (1995). Adolescents and the Media: Medical and Psychological Impact. Sage Publications. Tucci, J. Goddard, C. and Mitchell, J. (2001). More Action – Less Talk! Community responses to child abuse prevention, Australians Against Child Abuse. Ringwood.

Trend of Self Medication Among Youngsters

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the trend of self medication among youngsters. Methods: A survey was conducted in 4 areas of Karachi, Pakistan during May 2012. Data collected was entered using SPSS version 17 to generate descriptive statistics. Data analyzed done using chi-square test to check the associations among variables. Results: The result shows that the number of youngsters participated in this study were 100, having age range of 14-27 years, the overall response is positive. There females were 37 (37%) and males were 63 (63%). This was reflected by the majority of the samples was undergraduate youngsters.By the research we get the result that people think that they could understand their own illness themselves and that leads them to self medication. Qualification and understanding own illness is not independent. Lack of time is found to be a fact that males do self medication more often then females the trend towards self medication is increasing day by day. Conclusion: Sel f medication practice increasing in the youngsters of Karachi, Pakistan mostly in males and undergraduate youngsters under age of 18-22. The reason is lack of time or not consulting to the doctor.Need to educate the youngsters to avoid such practice majority know that self medication is incorrect and some time cause side effect. Key words: Self medication, youngsters, trend, prescription. 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background of the study Self-medication is defined as obtaining and using medicine without the suggestion of a doctor either for diagnosis. Drugs for self-medication are normally name as ‘nonprescription' or ‘over the counter' (OTC) and are obtainable without advice of doctor's through chemists. Self medication is nowadays gradually being considered as a self-care component.Support of self-care is seen as give patients' every view to take accountability and create self-confidence in their ability to deal with their own health. Unlike other characteristics of self-car e, self-medication involves the use of medicines and medicines have the potential to do better as well as cause harm. This is mainly concern to these countries where there is lack of enforcement of system leading to accessibility of non prescription medicines over the counter like Pakistan. This results in extensive use of such drugs which is related with serious undesirable effects.Numerous cases studies have stated that unsuitable self-medication outcomes in wastage of resources and causes serious health hazard such as unwanted drug reactions, prolonged suffering and drug dependence. When the medication correctly done, self-medication might be save the time which spent in waiting to see a physician, may be cost-effective and also propose savings for medical schemes and the general healthcare system. The WHO has also pointed out that dependable self-medication can help patient and treat illness that do not need medical consultation and gives a cheaper option for treating common dis eases.With self-medication, the person tolerates primary accountability for the use of self-medication products. All parties concerned in self-medication should be attentive of the advantages and disadvantages of any self-medication product. Through many studies have been conducted in different populations to appraise the practice of self-medication there is a scarceness of studies on self-medication among university and medical students. To enhance our knowledge we carry on this agenda and targeted the youngsters to find out the practices of self-medication in youngsters of Karachi.This study is conduct on trend of Self-medication in youngsters of Karachi. Self medication trend is continuously increasing in youngsters. This study might be helpful to determine the rate of self medication in youngster of schools, colleges and universities of Karachi. This study also explores the injurious effects of self medication, causes for not discussing with the doctor and general issues for whi ch students rely on self medication. Self-medication is the healing of general health issues with drugs particularly proposed and labeled for utilize without any medical prescription and permitted as safe and useful for such medical issues.To enhance our information, we conduct this study in Karachi and especially target the youngsters to evaluate self medication in the youth. In Karachi, approximately every chemist sells medicines without a prescription of doctor; a phenomenon seen in many is developing countries. Self medication is a part of health care and it is measured as initial public health source in system of health care. Use of non-prescription medicines by people on their own initiative is a part of self medication and it is in common practice in youngsters for common issues related to their health.Self medication also encompasses the use of the medicines by the users for self perceived health problems or the continuing use of medications formally prescribed earlier. Furt her broading of the definition includes treatment of family members especially to minor and elderly. Adverse effects of self medication Its very common in our society that whenever we catch a cough, flu or any common disease we have fixed a prescription in our mind and we do self-medication in such situations. We ask any of our friends or neighbors who prescribes the medicine which was effective for him.We do these types of things but the main thing we forget in all this is going to a doctor. Some adverse effects of self-medication are as follows. Insomnia Due to self-medication you can face the problem of insomnia. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder this is very common now a days and one of the major reason to insomnia is self-medication. When this problem occurs again open you medicine box and do self-medication again for this problem too. This worsens your problem. When you take one type of medicine again and again you may addicted to it and you also get dependent on such medicines. Skin problems When you involve in self medication you will get some skin problem or any other allergy due to reaction of medicine. Skin problem that occur due to self-medication are itching and redness on your skin. Depression People who have a habit of taking medicines which relax them that people facing the problem of depression. Many people self-medicate themselves to get relax without the advice of doctor. This type of habit may cause serious problem and no one can deny the effects of this self-medication addiction. Skin problems through creams and lotionsSelf-medication is does not only mean to in take such medicines. Self-medication can also be using lotion or cream on your skin without the advice of doctor. This type of self medication can also cause many skin problems. 1. 2 Objective of the study The Aim/objective of this study is to determine the trend of Self medication among youngsters. 1. 3 Problem statement Although self-medication being an issue of global concern, espe cially in Pakistan self medication is very common and rising day by day. Literate people involve in the practices of self medication more than illiterate people.This study includes some general aspects of self medication to identify the frequency of self medication among the youngsters. 1. 4 Hypothesis Ho1. 4. 1:self medication among youngsters and age are independent. Ha 1. 4. 1:self medication among youngsters and age are not independent. Ho1. 4. 2: self medication among youngsters and gender are independent. Ha 1. 4. 2: self medication among youngsters and gender are not independent. Ho1. 4. 3: self medication among youngsters and qualification are independent. Ha 1. 4. : self medication among youngsters and qualification are not independent. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Trends of Self-Medication According to Khalid (2010) in our country Self medication is an average. The counter sales of nearly all medicine are available without any prescription or regulation this is one of the majo r factor probably contributing to this phenomenon. In the practice of our dermatology, we commonly meet patients with acne infections due to use of topical self medication. The prevalence of self medication is extensively high in the acne infections patients in our residents.The most frequently used medication was potent topical steroids. 2. 2 Self-Medication practices According to Shankar et al (2002) Mild illness is the most common reason of self-medication which is mentioned in the literature, prior knowledge of treating related disease, lack of availability of healthcare personnel and financial considerations. Analgesics and antimicrobial are commonly used for self medications. In addition to allopathic medicines,  herbal medicines were also usually used for self-medication. 2. 3 Reasons for self-medication practiceAccording to Almasdy et al, (2011) Among university students the major reason for self-medication were their prior experiences and the majority of the authors agree d with this major reason of self medication, their health problems was measured as too insignificant and time savings. Family or friends guidance, non availability of transport, doctor was not available, capability to self-manage the symptom, urgency of the problem and have adequate information were other main reasons for self-medication practice.Have reported that the main reasons to self-medication practice among university student were lack of time and low cost consultation. 2. 4 Demographic characteristics and prevalence of self medication practice According to Hussain et al. (2011) many of these researches mentioned the mean age of undergraduates was under 25 years old. This was reflected by the majority of the samples was undergraduate students. In manner of sexual characteristics, prevalence of the undergraduates who have involved in self-medication is female.Three of these researches have been engaged to undergraduates majoring in equally health and non-health courses, while two of the studies have engaged to undergraduates simply majoring in health, and the rest did not revealed the field of the undergraduates involved in the studies. Frequency of self-medication observed among the university student was diverse. The occurrence of self-medication reported was mainly depend on how the query was created in the questionnaire.For example, the occurrence reported was authentic, if the question was concerned to the modern practice of self-medication. On the contrary, when asked whether the students had used any medication for the past one month, the incidence reported was low. However, some studies did not report the prevalence of self medication. Due to the difference in the methods used in studies, therefore, it is quite difficult to estimate the true prevalence rate of self-medication in university students. 2. 5 Benefits and Risks of Self Medication According to Carmel M et al. 2001) Practices of self-care for mild illnesses are increasingly encouraging by some governments, including self-medication. Support of self-care is observed as giving all probability to patients to take accountability and construct confidence in their capability to control their own health. Patient confidence is observed as a helpful step in the improvement of the correlation between patient and healthcare provider and is described as an significant health policy model. 2. 6 In? uences on Knowledge and Attitudes about Prescription Drugs among Teens.According to Twombly et al, (2008) escalating precise information about the hazards of recommended medicines misuse is expected to reduce misuse. In fact, there is an inverse relationship between level of perceived risk and likelihood of use when it comes to teenagers’ willingness to misuse prescription drugs. 2. 7 Symptoms leading to self-medication According to Zafar et al. (2008) Approximately in Pakistan, everyone can get medicine without any prescription, mostly pharmacy selling medicines without a d octor advise; this incident observed in every developing nations.Even, antibiotics and high potential medicines are easily available to the common man. The common practices of self-medication among undergraduates is leading to the main symptoms of self-medication were headache or mild pain; fever; flu, caught and cold; and diarrhea. Others symptoms includes allergy, skin problems, inability to sleep, vomiting, eye and ear symptoms, menstrual syndrome and others minor problems. This case study shows the outcome of the Pakistani youth's information, mind-set, and practice towards self medication. 2. 8 Sources of drug informationAccording to Hussain et al, (2008) in this research, the author explains sources of drug information in self-medication practice. In this research statement shows that the undergraduates obtain access to drug information from many resources. Which is relate to their own earlier experience, family, contacts or university course mates, pharmacy sales representati ve, doctor or nurse, and advertisement in the television, radio, newspaper, magazine or books. 2. 9 Problems-related to self-medication practices According to James et al, (2006) a new important findings significance of elf-medication highlighted in this literature was the effect of health instruction on the knowledge of drug’s side-effects amid the self medicating undergraduates. Calculate the effect of exposure to medical knowledge to equally the first year and senior medical undergraduates. The research exposed that troubles linked with self-medications were fewer in senior medical undergraduates as contrast to the first year students. Less awareness of medical information may be reason to the low self-assurance of the first year medical students 2. 0 Self -Medication among university students According to Mumtaz et al, (2011) Self medication mounting the probability of illegal use of medicine and medicine addiction and due to this the symptoms of disease are underlying th us are complicating the problem, produce drug resistance and create difficulty to diagnosis. On the other side many of people involved in self medication who accept accountability and are cautious is a source saving phenomenon to the health system. Easy accessibility of the medicine by the counter sales increases self medication.Self medication is a phenomenon and practiced almost in the countries all over the world with different prevalence. In the low and middle income countries, commonness of self medication is higher. This research is explained that the educated people tend to practice self medication more than uneducated peoples. According to this research the frequency of self medication among undergraduates of medical and non medical is nearly 80%. This study endorses earlier reported local estimates of self medication among university students. . 11 Self-Medication in Nigeria According to Fadare et al, (2011) now a day’s Self-medication is growing in the population ma ny counties as a common type of self-care behavior. Many global researches have explored the frequency and characteristics of self-medication practices at the resident’s level. In Nigeria, many studies conduct to find the frequency of self-medication in general; still the frequency of antibiotic self-medication among medical undergraduates has not been conducted.The interest in studying this practice among this select group is due to the fact that they are the future prescribes and health educators of the population of Nigeria. 2. 12 Evaluation of Self-Medication According to SD Sontakke et al, (2011) The World Health Organization has also identified that proper self-medication can help patients and treat illness that do not need medical consultation and gives a cheaper substitute for treating common diseases. With self-medication, the person takes primary accountability for the use of self-medication products.Every individual must be aware of advantages and disadvantages of self medication products who involved in self-medication practices . however many researches has been conducted in different populations to assess the frequency of self-medication there is a paucity of studies on self-medication among medical students. Support of self-care is considered as providing patients' every opportunity to construct self-confidence in their capability to control their own health. Unlike other aspects of self-care, self-medication involves the use of drugs and drugs have the potential to do good as well as cause harm. . 13 Self-medication in Sri lanka According to Wijesinghe et al, (2012) Self medication growing with increasing literacy and it is even appreciated so as to have self-sufficiency for healing, preventive , primitives and rehabilitative care . If done properly, it is helpful to save expenses of health care seekers. therefore, considering the usefulness of self-medication, the World Health Organization (WHO) has focused to develop strategy for regul atory estimation of the medicines suitable for self-medication. he frequency of Self-medication is very familiar among women, youngster, those individuals who living alone and the individuals who belongs to low financial status (SES), sufferers of chronic ailments and psychiatric conditions. Many researches in Sri Lanka were conducted to city areas which have well built-up health and hospitals networks. Substitute indicators such as self-medication prevalence for malaria indicate that self-medication is relatively low in rural areas. 2. 14 Self-Medication pattern in Punjab According to S Shveta et al, (2011) the frequency of self medication practices is common in the state.Fever, cough and cold are reasons for the use of self-medication. The most common drugs which is commonly used for self-medication is tonics and food supplements and it is taken frequently without prescription. We recommend that holistic approach should be taken to prevent this problem, which contain correct knowl edge and information regarding the self medication and strictness concerning pharmaceutical marketing. Furthermore especially in case of Punjab state ban must be implemented on counter sale of medicines. Dispensing modes in the state required to be enhanced by proper education, regulatory and administrative strategies. . 15 Self-Medication in Children’s According to Oshikoya et al, (2007) medicine use in children is of great anxiety worldwide and has received a lot of attention. Various researches have been performed in the urbanized and developing countries, and have all the countries faced many problems from mistreat and abuse of recommended medicines, and errors of medications. Children include a larger percentage of the residents in developing countries and are responsible to many illnesses as a effect of poverty. The majority of medicines in children are used outside of hospitals, both as recommended and non- recommended medicines.The primary reply by the majority famili es too many diseases in their children has been found to be use of non-prescribed medicines . Self-medication is very common among urban children in Nigeria. The presented laws concerning the use and sale of over the counter medicine, prescribed and non-prescribed drugs must be reinforced to ensure normal use of medicines. 2. 16 Self-medication practices for drug consumers According to Andualem et al, (2004) On Socio-demographic the respondents concealed the characteristic of drug consumers consist of all age category like both genders, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers.Self-medication illnesses that reported very commonly in the respondents were headache, fever, cold, respiratory tract infection and gastrointestinal diseases. Education for the self-medication should be provided to public as well as health care providers ;i. e; this type of illnesses can be easily self-treated and diagnosed and the drug products to be used in promoting the responsible self-medication. 2. 17 Self-medication in West Uttarpradesh According to Ghosh et al, (2010) some students reported that they were alcoholic, smoker or involve in some chronic problems i. . non-communicable diseases, they have less awareness about the medicines that they use with smoking, alcohol or suffer problems with chronic diseases. Non-seriousness related to the disease is the most common reason reported for self-treated and for self-medication, previous experience on the medicine and emergency use. 2. 18 Assessment of Self-medication According to Sawalha, (2007) In An-Najah students the preference of self-medication in very common. Practice of treating this condition is done either simple or by previous experience.Even important self-medication predictors did present in the studied group, types of medications knowledge on the level of self-care orientation can be significant in analyzing the self-medication practices. 2. 19 Health care strategies According to Haider et al, (1995) treatment from som e medical systems found in majority of cases. Health care behavior for childhood illnesses and assessment of the degree and the reasons for self-medication assess in Karachi, Pakistan. The main reason is the good past experience of self-medication. he main reason is the use of different medicines by health professional that influence the parents for self-medicate to their children. Self-medication is hard to reduce but some information can be made to discourage wrong use of harmful drugs. 2. 20 Self-medication (WHO). According to WHO (1988) The WHO pointed that Self medication can help and treat illness that does not require any consultation of medication and provides a cheaper option for treat such common diseases. Yet, the person bears basic responsibility for the use of self-medication products.Due to self-medication products parties should be aware about the benefits and risks of self-medication. 3 METHADOLOGY This part presents an overview of the methods to be used in the study . Areas covered in this part include data collection, variables, sample and sampling techniques and model for analyzed the data. 3. 1 Data In this study primary data is used for gathering information. A survey was conducted in 4 areas of Karachi, Pakistan during May 2012. Data collection was entered using SPSS version 17 to generate descriptive statistics.Data analyzed complete using chi-square test to check the associations between variables. 3. 2 Variables Variables used in this study are 1. Age 2. Gender 3. Qualification 3. 3 Sample and Sampling techniques Convenience sampling techniques is use to select respondents from Gulshan-e-iqbal area. A convenience sample of 100 participants was taken. A questionnaire was distributed among participants after explaining the background of the study and objective. 3. 4 Model The model we are used. To summarize the questionnaires we used statistical model of chi-square.According to Zafar et al (2008) the author used Chi-square in his study. 4 RESULT Table: 1 QUALIFICATION v/s VARIABLES DESCRIPTION| CHI SQUARE| SIG VALUE| RESULTS| | | | | MY ILLNESS| 29. 354| 0. 007| Reject| SELF MEDICATION| 6. 425| 0. 6| Accept| PRESCRIBE| 11. 48| 0. 321| Accept| LACK OF TIME| 16. 431| 0. 37| Accept| HIGH FEES| 7. 423| 0. 492| Accept| SIDE EFFECT| 12. 461| 0. 132| Accept| DANGEROUS| 10. 582| 0. 221| Accept| YOUNGSTERS| 12. 285| 0. 139| Accept| COMMUNICATION CHAIN| 16. 846| 0. 032| Reject| It is found that the chi-square and sig. alue shows that the self medication is increasing in youngsters. the sig. value of the qualification shows that self medication (0. 6), prescribe (0. 321), lack of time (0. 37), high fees (0. 492), side effects (0. 132), dangerous (0. 221), youngsters (0. 139) these all variables were accepted and shows that are independent to the qualification Table: 2 GENDER v/s VARIABLES DESCRIPTION| CHI SQUARE| SIG VALUE| RESULTS| | | | | MY ILLNESS| 6. 053| 0. 195| Accept| SELF MEDICATION| 3. 334| 0. 504| Accept| PRESCRIBE| 9. 368| 0. 095| Accept| LACK OF TIME| 14. 038| 0. 007| Reject| HIGH FEES| 2. 38| 0. 71| Accept| SIDE EFFECT| 5. 008| 0. 286| Accept| DANGEROUS| 8. 898| 0. 064| Accept| YOUNGSTERS| 2. 356| 0. 671| Accept| COMMUNICATION CHAIN| 1. 361| 0. 851| Accept| It is found that the chi-square and sig. value shows that the self medication is increasing in youngsters. the sig. value of the gender that My illness (0. 195), self medication(0. 504), Prescribe (0. 095)high fees(0. 71),side effects(0. 286), dangerous(0. 064), youngsters(0. 671), Communication chain (0. 851) these all variables were accepted and shows that are independent to the gender. Table: 3 AGE v/s VARIABLESDESCRIPTION| CHI SQUARE| SIG VALUE| RESULTS| | | | | MY ILLNESS| 12. 914| 0. 115| Accept| SELF MEDICATION| 7. 128| 0. 523| Accept| PRESCRIBE| 7. 612| 0. 667| Accept| LACK OF TIME| 9. 468| 0. 304| Accept| HIGH FEES| 12. 789| 0. 119| Accept| SIDE EFFECT| 2. 677| 0. 953| Accept| DANGEROUS| 11. 182| 0. 192| Accept| YOUNGSTERS| 19. 388| 0. 013| Reject| COMMUNICATION CHAIN| 15. 794| 0. 045| Reject| It is found that the chi-square and sig. value shows that the self medication is increasing in youngsters. the sig. value of the age that my illness (0. 115), self medication (0. 23), prescribe (0. 667), lack of time (0. 304), high fees (0. 119), side effects (0. 953), dangerous (0. 192) these all variables were accepted and shows that are independent to the age. 5 DISCUSSION In the light of the literature review self medication is a most common practice. In this study mostly males involve in self medication. The number of youngsters participate in this study were 100, having age range of 14-27 years, the overall reply is positive. There females were 37 (37%) and males were 63 (63%). This shows that the greater part of the samples was undergraduate youngsters.In term of gender, majority of the youngsters who adept self-medication are males. Moreover, the sampling methods were varied among the studies, range from conv enience. The trend of self-medication is high in undergraduate youngsters as compared to the inter and metric level youngsters. Mostly Youngsters have a preference of self-medication, 63% of undergraduates, 18% of inter and only 19% of metric youngsters involve in self medication. By the research we get the result that people think that they could understand their own illness themselves and that leads them to self medication.Qualification and understanding own illnesses are not independent. So we accepted alternative hypothesis. Increasing communication chain is also one of the major reasons of increment of self medication in well qualified too. The above data was found to be good sufficient to maintain from literature review that the trend towards self medication is increasing literally. 6 CONCLUSION Self medication practice increasing in the youngsters of Karachi, Pakistan mostly in males and undergraduate youngsters under age of 18-22.The reason is lack of time or not consulting to the doctor. Need to educate the youngsters to avoid such practice majority know that self medication is incorrect and some time cause side effect. 7 BIBLOGRAPHY Almasdy Dedy & Azmi Sherrif , (2011 ), Self-Medication Practice with Nonprescription Medication among University Students: a review of the literature, Archives of Pharmacy Practice, Vol 2, No 3, pp 95-100. Andualem Tenaw, B. Pharm, BA, et al, (2004), SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES IN ADDIS ABABA: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY, Ethiopia Journal health science, Vol 14, No 1, pp 1-11.Carmel M, Hughes; McElnay, James C; Fleming, Glenda F. , (2001), Bene? ts and risks of self medication, Drug Safety, Vol 24, No 14, pp 1027-1037. Fadare Joseph O & Igbiks Tamuno, (2011), Antibiotic self-medication among university medical undergraduates in Northern Nigeria, Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology, Vol 3, No 5, pp 217-220. Ghosh Sourav, Vikas, Vimal, et al, (2010), Evaluation of the practice of self medication among college students in west U ttar Pradesh, International Journal of Pharma Professional's Research, Vol 1, No 1, pp 14-18.Haider S, Thaver IH, (1995), Self medication or self care: implication for primary health care strategies, J Pak Med Assoc, Vol 45, No11, pp 297-298. Hussain Azhar, Asifa Khanum,(2008), Self medication among university students of Islamabad, Pakistan- a preliminary study, Southern Med Review, Vol 1, No 1, pp 14-16. Hussain Shahzad, Farnaz Malik, Kazi Muhammad Ashfaq, et al , (2011), Prevalence of self-medication and health-seeking behavior in a developing country, African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Vol 5 , No 7, pp 972-978 James Henry, Shailendra S, Handu Khalid A.J, et al, (2006), Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among first-year medical students, Med Princ Practice, Vol 15, No 4, pp 270-275. Khalid Tanzeela, Tariq Iqbal, (2010),Trends of self medication in patients with acne vulgarus, JUMDC, Vol 1, No 1, pp 10-13. Mumtaz Yasmin, S. M. Ashraf Jahangeer, Tahira Mujtaba, et al, (2011), Self Medication among University Students of Karachi, JLUMHS, Vol 10, No 3, pp 102-105. Oshikoya K A, O F Njokanma, J A Bello, et al, (2007), Family self-medication for children in an urban area of Nigeria , Paediatric and Perinatal Drug Therapy, Vol 8, No 3, pp 124-130.S Shveta, Jagmohan S, (2011), A study of self medication pattern in Punjab, Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol 4, No 2, pp 43-46. Sawalha, Ansam F, (2007), Assessment of self-medication practice among University students in Palestine: Therapeutic and Toxicity Implications, The Islamic University Journal (Series of Natural Studies and Engineering), Vol 15, No 2, pp 67-82. SD Sontakke, Bajait CS , Pimpalkhute SA, et al, (2011), Comparative study of evaluation of self-medication practices in first and third year medical student, International Journal of Biological ; Medical Research , Vol 2, No 2, pp 561-564.Shankar PR, P Partha and N Shenoy, (2002), Self-medication and no n-doctor prescription practices in Pokhara valley, Western Nepal: a questionnaire-based study, BMC Family Practice, Vol 3, No 17, pp 1-7. Twombly Eric C ; Kristen D. Holtz, (2008), Teens and the Misuse of Prescription Drugs:Evidence-Based Recommendations to Curb a Growing Societal Problem, J Primary Prevent, Vol 29, No 18, pp 503–516. WHO, (1988), The role of pharmacist in self-care and self-medication, Netherland.Wijesinghe R Pushpa, Ravindra L Jayakody, Rohini de A Seneviratne, (2012), Prevalence and predictors of self-medication in a selected urban and rural district of Sri Lanka, WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health, Vol 1, No 1, pp 28-41. Zafar Syed Nabeel, Reema Syed, Sana Waqar, et al, (2008), Self medication amongst university students of Karachi: prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, J Pak Med Assoc, Vol 58, No 4, pp 214-217. http://apps. who. int/medicinedocs/pdf/whozip32e/whozip32e. pdf Trend of Self Medication Among Youngsters ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the trend of self medication among youngsters. Methods: A survey was conducted in 4 areas of Karachi, Pakistan during May 2012. Data collected was entered using SPSS version 17 to generate descriptive statistics. Data analyzed done using chi-square test to check the associations among variables. Results: The result shows that the number of youngsters participated in this study were 100, having age range of 14-27 years, the overall response is positive. There females were 37 (37%) and males were 63 (63%). This was reflected by the majority of the samples was undergraduate youngsters.By the research we get the result that people think that they could understand their own illness themselves and that leads them to self medication. Qualification and understanding own illness is not independent. Lack of time is found to be a fact that males do self medication more often then females the trend towards self medication is increasing day by day. Conclusion: Sel f medication practice increasing in the youngsters of Karachi, Pakistan mostly in males and undergraduate youngsters under age of 18-22. The reason is lack of time or not consulting to the doctor.Need to educate the youngsters to avoid such practice majority know that self medication is incorrect and some time cause side effect. Key words: Self medication, youngsters, trend, prescription. 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background of the study Self-medication is defined as obtaining and using medicine without the suggestion of a doctor either for diagnosis. Drugs for self-medication are normally name as ‘nonprescription' or ‘over the counter' (OTC) and are obtainable without advice of doctor's through chemists. Self medication is nowadays gradually being considered as a self-care component.Support of self-care is seen as give patients' every view to take accountability and create self-confidence in their ability to deal with their own health. Unlike other characteristics of self-car e, self-medication involves the use of medicines and medicines have the potential to do better as well as cause harm. This is mainly concern to these countries where there is lack of enforcement of system leading to accessibility of non prescription medicines over the counter like Pakistan. This results in extensive use of such drugs which is related with serious undesirable effects.Numerous cases studies have stated that unsuitable self-medication outcomes in wastage of resources and causes serious health hazard such as unwanted drug reactions, prolonged suffering and drug dependence. When the medication correctly done, self-medication might be save the time which spent in waiting to see a physician, may be cost-effective and also propose savings for medical schemes and the general healthcare system. The WHO has also pointed out that dependable self-medication can help patient and treat illness that do not need medical consultation and gives a cheaper option for treating common dis eases.With self-medication, the person tolerates primary accountability for the use of self-medication products. All parties concerned in self-medication should be attentive of the advantages and disadvantages of any self-medication product. Through many studies have been conducted in different populations to appraise the practice of self-medication there is a scarceness of studies on self-medication among university and medical students. To enhance our knowledge we carry on this agenda and targeted the youngsters to find out the practices of self-medication in youngsters of Karachi.This study is conduct on trend of Self-medication in youngsters of Karachi. Self medication trend is continuously increasing in youngsters. This study might be helpful to determine the rate of self medication in youngster of schools, colleges and universities of Karachi. This study also explores the injurious effects of self medication, causes for not discussing with the doctor and general issues for whi ch students rely on self medication. Self-medication is the healing of general health issues with drugs particularly proposed and labeled for utilize without any medical prescription and permitted as safe and useful for such medical issues.To enhance our information, we conduct this study in Karachi and especially target the youngsters to evaluate self medication in the youth. In Karachi, approximately every chemist sells medicines without a prescription of doctor; a phenomenon seen in many is developing countries. Self medication is a part of health care and it is measured as initial public health source in system of health care. Use of non-prescription medicines by people on their own initiative is a part of self medication and it is in common practice in youngsters for common issues related to their health.Self medication also encompasses the use of the medicines by the users for self perceived health problems or the continuing use of medications formally prescribed earlier. Furt her broading of the definition includes treatment of family members especially to minor and elderly. Adverse effects of self medication Its very common in our society that whenever we catch a cough, flu or any common disease we have fixed a prescription in our mind and we do self-medication in such situations. We ask any of our friends or neighbors who prescribes the medicine which was effective for him.We do these types of things but the main thing we forget in all this is going to a doctor. Some adverse effects of self-medication are as follows. Insomnia Due to self-medication you can face the problem of insomnia. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder this is very common now a days and one of the major reason to insomnia is self-medication. When this problem occurs again open you medicine box and do self-medication again for this problem too. This worsens your problem. When you take one type of medicine again and again you may addicted to it and you also get dependent on such medicines. Skin problems When you involve in self medication you will get some skin problem or any other allergy due to reaction of medicine. Skin problem that occur due to self-medication are itching and redness on your skin. Depression People who have a habit of taking medicines which relax them that people facing the problem of depression. Many people self-medicate themselves to get relax without the advice of doctor. This type of habit may cause serious problem and no one can deny the effects of this self-medication addiction. Skin problems through creams and lotionsSelf-medication is does not only mean to in take such medicines. Self-medication can also be using lotion or cream on your skin without the advice of doctor. This type of self medication can also cause many skin problems. 1. 2 Objective of the study The Aim/objective of this study is to determine the trend of Self medication among youngsters. 1. 3 Problem statement Although self-medication being an issue of global concern, espe cially in Pakistan self medication is very common and rising day by day. Literate people involve in the practices of self medication more than illiterate people.This study includes some general aspects of self medication to identify the frequency of self medication among the youngsters. 1. 4 Hypothesis Ho1. 4. 1:self medication among youngsters and age are independent. Ha 1. 4. 1:self medication among youngsters and age are not independent. Ho1. 4. 2: self medication among youngsters and gender are independent. Ha 1. 4. 2: self medication among youngsters and gender are not independent. Ho1. 4. 3: self medication among youngsters and qualification are independent. Ha 1. 4. : self medication among youngsters and qualification are not independent. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Trends of Self-Medication According to Khalid (2010) in our country Self medication is an average. The counter sales of nearly all medicine are available without any prescription or regulation this is one of the majo r factor probably contributing to this phenomenon. In the practice of our dermatology, we commonly meet patients with acne infections due to use of topical self medication. The prevalence of self medication is extensively high in the acne infections patients in our residents.The most frequently used medication was potent topical steroids. 2. 2 Self-Medication practices According to Shankar et al (2002) Mild illness is the most common reason of self-medication which is mentioned in the literature, prior knowledge of treating related disease, lack of availability of healthcare personnel and financial considerations. Analgesics and antimicrobial are commonly used for self medications. In addition to allopathic medicines,  herbal medicines were also usually used for self-medication. 2. 3 Reasons for self-medication practiceAccording to Almasdy et al, (2011) Among university students the major reason for self-medication were their prior experiences and the majority of the authors agree d with this major reason of self medication, their health problems was measured as too insignificant and time savings. Family or friends guidance, non availability of transport, doctor was not available, capability to self-manage the symptom, urgency of the problem and have adequate information were other main reasons for self-medication practice.Have reported that the main reasons to self-medication practice among university student were lack of time and low cost consultation. 2. 4 Demographic characteristics and prevalence of self medication practice According to Hussain et al. (2011) many of these researches mentioned the mean age of undergraduates was under 25 years old. This was reflected by the majority of the samples was undergraduate students. In manner of sexual characteristics, prevalence of the undergraduates who have involved in self-medication is female.Three of these researches have been engaged to undergraduates majoring in equally health and non-health courses, while two of the studies have engaged to undergraduates simply majoring in health, and the rest did not revealed the field of the undergraduates involved in the studies. Frequency of self-medication observed among the university student was diverse. The occurrence of self-medication reported was mainly depend on how the query was created in the questionnaire.For example, the occurrence reported was authentic, if the question was concerned to the modern practice of self-medication. On the contrary, when asked whether the students had used any medication for the past one month, the incidence reported was low. However, some studies did not report the prevalence of self medication. Due to the difference in the methods used in studies, therefore, it is quite difficult to estimate the true prevalence rate of self-medication in university students. 2. 5 Benefits and Risks of Self Medication According to Carmel M et al. 2001) Practices of self-care for mild illnesses are increasingly encouraging by some governments, including self-medication. Support of self-care is observed as giving all probability to patients to take accountability and construct confidence in their capability to control their own health. Patient confidence is observed as a helpful step in the improvement of the correlation between patient and healthcare provider and is described as an significant health policy model. 2. 6 In? uences on Knowledge and Attitudes about Prescription Drugs among Teens.According to Twombly et al, (2008) escalating precise information about the hazards of recommended medicines misuse is expected to reduce misuse. In fact, there is an inverse relationship between level of perceived risk and likelihood of use when it comes to teenagers’ willingness to misuse prescription drugs. 2. 7 Symptoms leading to self-medication According to Zafar et al. (2008) Approximately in Pakistan, everyone can get medicine without any prescription, mostly pharmacy selling medicines without a d octor advise; this incident observed in every developing nations.Even, antibiotics and high potential medicines are easily available to the common man. The common practices of self-medication among undergraduates is leading to the main symptoms of self-medication were headache or mild pain; fever; flu, caught and cold; and diarrhea. Others symptoms includes allergy, skin problems, inability to sleep, vomiting, eye and ear symptoms, menstrual syndrome and others minor problems. This case study shows the outcome of the Pakistani youth's information, mind-set, and practice towards self medication. 2. 8 Sources of drug informationAccording to Hussain et al, (2008) in this research, the author explains sources of drug information in self-medication practice. In this research statement shows that the undergraduates obtain access to drug information from many resources. Which is relate to their own earlier experience, family, contacts or university course mates, pharmacy sales representati ve, doctor or nurse, and advertisement in the television, radio, newspaper, magazine or books. 2. 9 Problems-related to self-medication practices According to James et al, (2006) a new important findings significance of elf-medication highlighted in this literature was the effect of health instruction on the knowledge of drug’s side-effects amid the self medicating undergraduates. Calculate the effect of exposure to medical knowledge to equally the first year and senior medical undergraduates. The research exposed that troubles linked with self-medications were fewer in senior medical undergraduates as contrast to the first year students. Less awareness of medical information may be reason to the low self-assurance of the first year medical students 2. 0 Self -Medication among university students According to Mumtaz et al, (2011) Self medication mounting the probability of illegal use of medicine and medicine addiction and due to this the symptoms of disease are underlying th us are complicating the problem, produce drug resistance and create difficulty to diagnosis. On the other side many of people involved in self medication who accept accountability and are cautious is a source saving phenomenon to the health system. Easy accessibility of the medicine by the counter sales increases self medication.Self medication is a phenomenon and practiced almost in the countries all over the world with different prevalence. In the low and middle income countries, commonness of self medication is higher. This research is explained that the educated people tend to practice self medication more than uneducated peoples. According to this research the frequency of self medication among undergraduates of medical and non medical is nearly 80%. This study endorses earlier reported local estimates of self medication among university students. . 11 Self-Medication in Nigeria According to Fadare et al, (2011) now a day’s Self-medication is growing in the population ma ny counties as a common type of self-care behavior. Many global researches have explored the frequency and characteristics of self-medication practices at the resident’s level. In Nigeria, many studies conduct to find the frequency of self-medication in general; still the frequency of antibiotic self-medication among medical undergraduates has not been conducted.The interest in studying this practice among this select group is due to the fact that they are the future prescribes and health educators of the population of Nigeria. 2. 12 Evaluation of Self-Medication According to SD Sontakke et al, (2011) The World Health Organization has also identified that proper self-medication can help patients and treat illness that do not need medical consultation and gives a cheaper substitute for treating common diseases. With self-medication, the person takes primary accountability for the use of self-medication products.Every individual must be aware of advantages and disadvantages of self medication products who involved in self-medication practices . however many researches has been conducted in different populations to assess the frequency of self-medication there is a paucity of studies on self-medication among medical students. Support of self-care is considered as providing patients' every opportunity to construct self-confidence in their capability to control their own health. Unlike other aspects of self-care, self-medication involves the use of drugs and drugs have the potential to do good as well as cause harm. . 13 Self-medication in Sri lanka According to Wijesinghe et al, (2012) Self medication growing with increasing literacy and it is even appreciated so as to have self-sufficiency for healing, preventive , primitives and rehabilitative care . If done properly, it is helpful to save expenses of health care seekers. therefore, considering the usefulness of self-medication, the World Health Organization (WHO) has focused to develop strategy for regul atory estimation of the medicines suitable for self-medication. he frequency of Self-medication is very familiar among women, youngster, those individuals who living alone and the individuals who belongs to low financial status (SES), sufferers of chronic ailments and psychiatric conditions. Many researches in Sri Lanka were conducted to city areas which have well built-up health and hospitals networks. Substitute indicators such as self-medication prevalence for malaria indicate that self-medication is relatively low in rural areas. 2. 14 Self-Medication pattern in Punjab According to S Shveta et al, (2011) the frequency of self medication practices is common in the state.Fever, cough and cold are reasons for the use of self-medication. The most common drugs which is commonly used for self-medication is tonics and food supplements and it is taken frequently without prescription. We recommend that holistic approach should be taken to prevent this problem, which contain correct knowl edge and information regarding the self medication and strictness concerning pharmaceutical marketing. Furthermore especially in case of Punjab state ban must be implemented on counter sale of medicines. Dispensing modes in the state required to be enhanced by proper education, regulatory and administrative strategies. . 15 Self-Medication in Children’s According to Oshikoya et al, (2007) medicine use in children is of great anxiety worldwide and has received a lot of attention. Various researches have been performed in the urbanized and developing countries, and have all the countries faced many problems from mistreat and abuse of recommended medicines, and errors of medications. Children include a larger percentage of the residents in developing countries and are responsible to many illnesses as a effect of poverty. The majority of medicines in children are used outside of hospitals, both as recommended and non- recommended medicines.The primary reply by the majority famili es too many diseases in their children has been found to be use of non-prescribed medicines . Self-medication is very common among urban children in Nigeria. The presented laws concerning the use and sale of over the counter medicine, prescribed and non-prescribed drugs must be reinforced to ensure normal use of medicines. 2. 16 Self-medication practices for drug consumers According to Andualem et al, (2004) On Socio-demographic the respondents concealed the characteristic of drug consumers consist of all age category like both genders, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers.Self-medication illnesses that reported very commonly in the respondents were headache, fever, cold, respiratory tract infection and gastrointestinal diseases. Education for the self-medication should be provided to public as well as health care providers ;i. e; this type of illnesses can be easily self-treated and diagnosed and the drug products to be used in promoting the responsible self-medication. 2. 17 Self-medication in West Uttarpradesh According to Ghosh et al, (2010) some students reported that they were alcoholic, smoker or involve in some chronic problems i. . non-communicable diseases, they have less awareness about the medicines that they use with smoking, alcohol or suffer problems with chronic diseases. Non-seriousness related to the disease is the most common reason reported for self-treated and for self-medication, previous experience on the medicine and emergency use. 2. 18 Assessment of Self-medication According to Sawalha, (2007) In An-Najah students the preference of self-medication in very common. Practice of treating this condition is done either simple or by previous experience.Even important self-medication predictors did present in the studied group, types of medications knowledge on the level of self-care orientation can be significant in analyzing the self-medication practices. 2. 19 Health care strategies According to Haider et al, (1995) treatment from som e medical systems found in majority of cases. Health care behavior for childhood illnesses and assessment of the degree and the reasons for self-medication assess in Karachi, Pakistan. The main reason is the good past experience of self-medication. he main reason is the use of different medicines by health professional that influence the parents for self-medicate to their children. Self-medication is hard to reduce but some information can be made to discourage wrong use of harmful drugs. 2. 20 Self-medication (WHO). According to WHO (1988) The WHO pointed that Self medication can help and treat illness that does not require any consultation of medication and provides a cheaper option for treat such common diseases. Yet, the person bears basic responsibility for the use of self-medication products.Due to self-medication products parties should be aware about the benefits and risks of self-medication. 3 METHADOLOGY This part presents an overview of the methods to be used in the study . Areas covered in this part include data collection, variables, sample and sampling techniques and model for analyzed the data. 3. 1 Data In this study primary data is used for gathering information. A survey was conducted in 4 areas of Karachi, Pakistan during May 2012. Data collection was entered using SPSS version 17 to generate descriptive statistics.Data analyzed complete using chi-square test to check the associations between variables. 3. 2 Variables Variables used in this study are 1. Age 2. Gender 3. Qualification 3. 3 Sample and Sampling techniques Convenience sampling techniques is use to select respondents from Gulshan-e-iqbal area. A convenience sample of 100 participants was taken. A questionnaire was distributed among participants after explaining the background of the study and objective. 3. 4 Model The model we are used. To summarize the questionnaires we used statistical model of chi-square.According to Zafar et al (2008) the author used Chi-square in his study. 4 RESULT Table: 1 QUALIFICATION v/s VARIABLES DESCRIPTION| CHI SQUARE| SIG VALUE| RESULTS| | | | | MY ILLNESS| 29. 354| 0. 007| Reject| SELF MEDICATION| 6. 425| 0. 6| Accept| PRESCRIBE| 11. 48| 0. 321| Accept| LACK OF TIME| 16. 431| 0. 37| Accept| HIGH FEES| 7. 423| 0. 492| Accept| SIDE EFFECT| 12. 461| 0. 132| Accept| DANGEROUS| 10. 582| 0. 221| Accept| YOUNGSTERS| 12. 285| 0. 139| Accept| COMMUNICATION CHAIN| 16. 846| 0. 032| Reject| It is found that the chi-square and sig. alue shows that the self medication is increasing in youngsters. the sig. value of the qualification shows that self medication (0. 6), prescribe (0. 321), lack of time (0. 37), high fees (0. 492), side effects (0. 132), dangerous (0. 221), youngsters (0. 139) these all variables were accepted and shows that are independent to the qualification Table: 2 GENDER v/s VARIABLES DESCRIPTION| CHI SQUARE| SIG VALUE| RESULTS| | | | | MY ILLNESS| 6. 053| 0. 195| Accept| SELF MEDICATION| 3. 334| 0. 504| Accept| PRESCRIBE| 9. 368| 0. 095| Accept| LACK OF TIME| 14. 038| 0. 007| Reject| HIGH FEES| 2. 38| 0. 71| Accept| SIDE EFFECT| 5. 008| 0. 286| Accept| DANGEROUS| 8. 898| 0. 064| Accept| YOUNGSTERS| 2. 356| 0. 671| Accept| COMMUNICATION CHAIN| 1. 361| 0. 851| Accept| It is found that the chi-square and sig. value shows that the self medication is increasing in youngsters. the sig. value of the gender that My illness (0. 195), self medication(0. 504), Prescribe (0. 095)high fees(0. 71),side effects(0. 286), dangerous(0. 064), youngsters(0. 671), Communication chain (0. 851) these all variables were accepted and shows that are independent to the gender. Table: 3 AGE v/s VARIABLESDESCRIPTION| CHI SQUARE| SIG VALUE| RESULTS| | | | | MY ILLNESS| 12. 914| 0. 115| Accept| SELF MEDICATION| 7. 128| 0. 523| Accept| PRESCRIBE| 7. 612| 0. 667| Accept| LACK OF TIME| 9. 468| 0. 304| Accept| HIGH FEES| 12. 789| 0. 119| Accept| SIDE EFFECT| 2. 677| 0. 953| Accept| DANGEROUS| 11. 182| 0. 192| Accept| YOUNGSTERS| 19. 388| 0. 013| Reject| COMMUNICATION CHAIN| 15. 794| 0. 045| Reject| It is found that the chi-square and sig. value shows that the self medication is increasing in youngsters. the sig. value of the age that my illness (0. 115), self medication (0. 23), prescribe (0. 667), lack of time (0. 304), high fees (0. 119), side effects (0. 953), dangerous (0. 192) these all variables were accepted and shows that are independent to the age. 5 DISCUSSION In the light of the literature review self medication is a most common practice. In this study mostly males involve in self medication. The number of youngsters participate in this study were 100, having age range of 14-27 years, the overall reply is positive. There females were 37 (37%) and males were 63 (63%). This shows that the greater part of the samples was undergraduate youngsters.In term of gender, majority of the youngsters who adept self-medication are males. Moreover, the sampling methods were varied among the studies, range from conv enience. The trend of self-medication is high in undergraduate youngsters as compared to the inter and metric level youngsters. Mostly Youngsters have a preference of self-medication, 63% of undergraduates, 18% of inter and only 19% of metric youngsters involve in self medication. By the research we get the result that people think that they could understand their own illness themselves and that leads them to self medication.Qualification and understanding own illnesses are not independent. So we accepted alternative hypothesis. Increasing communication chain is also one of the major reasons of increment of self medication in well qualified too. The above data was found to be good sufficient to maintain from literature review that the trend towards self medication is increasing literally. 6 CONCLUSION Self medication practice increasing in the youngsters of Karachi, Pakistan mostly in males and undergraduate youngsters under age of 18-22.The reason is lack of time or not consulting to the doctor. Need to educate the youngsters to avoid such practice majority know that self medication is incorrect and some time cause side effect. 7 BIBLOGRAPHY Almasdy Dedy & Azmi Sherrif , (2011 ), Self-Medication Practice with Nonprescription Medication among University Students: a review of the literature, Archives of Pharmacy Practice, Vol 2, No 3, pp 95-100. Andualem Tenaw, B. Pharm, BA, et al, (2004), SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES IN ADDIS ABABA: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY, Ethiopia Journal health science, Vol 14, No 1, pp 1-11.Carmel M, Hughes; McElnay, James C; Fleming, Glenda F. , (2001), Bene? ts and risks of self medication, Drug Safety, Vol 24, No 14, pp 1027-1037. Fadare Joseph O & Igbiks Tamuno, (2011), Antibiotic self-medication among university medical undergraduates in Northern Nigeria, Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology, Vol 3, No 5, pp 217-220. Ghosh Sourav, Vikas, Vimal, et al, (2010), Evaluation of the practice of self medication among college students in west U ttar Pradesh, International Journal of Pharma Professional's Research, Vol 1, No 1, pp 14-18.Haider S, Thaver IH, (1995), Self medication or self care: implication for primary health care strategies, J Pak Med Assoc, Vol 45, No11, pp 297-298. Hussain Azhar, Asifa Khanum,(2008), Self medication among university students of Islamabad, Pakistan- a preliminary study, Southern Med Review, Vol 1, No 1, pp 14-16. Hussain Shahzad, Farnaz Malik, Kazi Muhammad Ashfaq, et al , (2011), Prevalence of self-medication and health-seeking behavior in a developing country, African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Vol 5 , No 7, pp 972-978 James Henry, Shailendra S, Handu Khalid A.J, et al, (2006), Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among first-year medical students, Med Princ Practice, Vol 15, No 4, pp 270-275. Khalid Tanzeela, Tariq Iqbal, (2010),Trends of self medication in patients with acne vulgarus, JUMDC, Vol 1, No 1, pp 10-13. Mumtaz Yasmin, S. M. Ashraf Jahangeer, Tahira Mujtaba, et al, (2011), Self Medication among University Students of Karachi, JLUMHS, Vol 10, No 3, pp 102-105. Oshikoya K A, O F Njokanma, J A Bello, et al, (2007), Family self-medication for children in an urban area of Nigeria , Paediatric and Perinatal Drug Therapy, Vol 8, No 3, pp 124-130.S Shveta, Jagmohan S, (2011), A study of self medication pattern in Punjab, Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol 4, No 2, pp 43-46. Sawalha, Ansam F, (2007), Assessment of self-medication practice among University students in Palestine: Therapeutic and Toxicity Implications, The Islamic University Journal (Series of Natural Studies and Engineering), Vol 15, No 2, pp 67-82. SD Sontakke, Bajait CS , Pimpalkhute SA, et al, (2011), Comparative study of evaluation of self-medication practices in first and third year medical student, International Journal of Biological ; Medical Research , Vol 2, No 2, pp 561-564.Shankar PR, P Partha and N Shenoy, (2002), Self-medication and no n-doctor prescription practices in Pokhara valley, Western Nepal: a questionnaire-based study, BMC Family Practice, Vol 3, No 17, pp 1-7. Twombly Eric C ; Kristen D. Holtz, (2008), Teens and the Misuse of Prescription Drugs:Evidence-Based Recommendations to Curb a Growing Societal Problem, J Primary Prevent, Vol 29, No 18, pp 503–516. WHO, (1988), The role of pharmacist in self-care and self-medication, Netherland.Wijesinghe R Pushpa, Ravindra L Jayakody, Rohini de A Seneviratne, (2012), Prevalence and predictors of self-medication in a selected urban and rural district of Sri Lanka, WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health, Vol 1, No 1, pp 28-41. 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Business Plan Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business Plan - Research Proposal Example The shop will not only serve as a bakery, but a small dine in place for people who wish to come alone, have business meetings or with friends & family. The pricing of our products will be premium as we target the high end and upper middle class segment of the market. This segment is diet conscious and wants substitutes of high fat, unhealthy food items. The business plan talks in detail about our strategy, our operations, future plans, financials and industry analysis. 2) Company Description We aim to start a bakery business targeted at the upper middle class, health and diet conscious people. The business will mainly sell products ranging from cakes, cookies and snacks that are sugar free and healthier than normal bakery items. The idea is to give a taste of sweet to diet conscious people with a variety of items. The shop will be located in New York in the beginning and we aim to expand to other cities in next 5 years. Our company will be a private limited entity. 3) Products The ra nge The bakery provides freshly prepared bakery items at all times during business operations. Our product portfolio can be seen in Appendix A. We have decided to keep these 13 as our initial offering after a lot of research into eating habits of our target customers. Our products will belong to the high end, branded, premium high quality category. Sizes There will be different serving sizes for each of the desserts and snacks. Cakes would be served in full size, half size and as single pieces. The cookies would be sold as single unit and snacks will also be sold as single items. 4) Target Market The target market as described earlier are high end, upper middle class diet conscious people who wish to add some sweet in their life by having healthier, sugar free bakery items. Our target population is also increasing in size, with more awareness of the diseases associated with large consumption of sugar and other unhealthy products, and people opting for a healthier life style. And plu s American love desserts; they want something for their sweet tooth after every meal. 5) Business Strategy Our business focuses on serving a niche market by offering quality and premium food products. We want to create high end products for our target market, because they value quality. To achieve these objectives, we will provide the following: Quality baked goods for diet conscious people to enjoy at a premium price. Friendly and lively atmosphere Special diet menus formulated by the advice of local healthcare providers and nutritionists. We will initially start with offering 13 varieties of bakery items to be kept in the bakery, which includes cakes, desserts, snacks, cookies, and savory items. We will start our operation in a posh area of New York City, where our target population is dense. We will include a card of nutritional value attached with each of our products so that our customers become aware of what they are purchasing. Initially we will start with attracting customer s by giving out samples of our best items at Shopping Malls and Grocery Stores. 6) Marketing & Sales Strategy We will be offering different promotional strategies such