OBJECTIVES : To systematically review and quantify the prevalence of SM practices in India and to study the factors influencing it.

METHODS : Databases such as PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane library were searched for the peer-review research studies published on SM practices in India without any restrictions. Only the observational cross-sectional studies assessing the prevalence and/or the predictors of SM conducted in India were included for review. Two authors were independently involved in all stages of study selection and data extraction. Disagreements were resolved by consensus or by consulting a third reviewer.

RESULTS : A total of 17 out of 248 studies including 10248 participants were included in this meta-analysis. A mean prevalence of SM practices was found to be 53.57% in India. Most of the people practised SM as they were knowledgeable regarding the medications (PR: 30.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.08-43.82; 6 studies) and the practice was more in people with a middle-lower income family with a prevalence rate of 26.31 (95%CI: 2.02-50.60; P<0.0001). Minor ailments were the major reason for practising SM (PR: 42.46; 95%CI: 21.87-63.06) and the headache was the most prevalent (PR: 41.53; 95%CI: 18.05-65.02).

CONCLUSIONS : Prevalence of SM is quite high in India. SM practice has a negative impact on the economy and health of the country. There is a need to build a quick action plan and spread awareness among the pharmacist and community for minimizing SM practices.