Knowledge, Attitude and Perceptions of Indian long-distance Train Travellers Towards Medicinal Drugs, Healthcare, and Hygiene while Travelling: A Questionnaire-based Survey

Background: Although a large population uses the Indian Railways for long-distance journeys, data about their knowledge, attitude, and perception towards medicinal drugs, healthcare, and hygiene while travelling, is sparse. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from March 2016 to December 2016 among 114 randomly sampled long-distance train passengers. A self-administered questionnaire, directed towards knowledge, attitude, and perception of passengers towards medicinal drugs, healthcare, and hygiene while travelling, was administered. The completeness of the questionnaire was validated by an interview. The association between the type of coach and the various variables mentioned in the questionnaire was calculated by the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test. Results: Of the 114 respondents (77.19 % males, 22.81 % females), 61.4 % carried medicines with them while travelling. The most common class of drug carried by the respondents was non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although 61.4 % of the participants claimed to consult a doctor before consuming any drug, 43.85 % of them had no knowledge of either the indications or the adverse effects of the drugs that they consumed. 32.45 % of the respondents complained of being physically/psychologically stressed during/after the journey. A majority of the travellers (93.85 %) believed that hygiene and cleanliness had a role in preventing illness while travelling. Only 2.69 % of the respondents were aware of the healthcare facilities provided by the Indian Railways. A significant (P < 0.05) association was found between the type of coach and the method of obtaining drug information, feeling stressed, and food preference. However, due to the small sample size these findings cannot be generalized. Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness about common over-the-counter drugs among long-distance train travellers in India. Healthcare facilities provided by the Indian Railways must be publicized.