ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and practices of self-medication among health science students. The research sought to identify factors influencing self-medication practices, including demographics, program of study, and access to medical facilities.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan including the Departments of MBBS, BDS, Nursing, and DPT over six months, from February 2023 to July 2023.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving students from a private university in Islamabad, including those in MBBS, BDS, Nursing, and DPT programs. The study was conducted over six months, from February to July 2023, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. A validated questionnaire was utilized for data collection, pre-tested for clarity and relevance, and translated from Arabic to English. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0, involving descriptive and inferential statistics to elucidate self-medication trends and associations.
Results: Among the participants, 60.9% engaged in self-medication within the past six months. The most used medications were pain relievers (61.9%), antibiotics (39.1%), and cough syrups (35.8%). Motivations for self-medication included perceiving the illness as non-serious (47%), saving time (46.4%), and relying on past experiences (36.4%). Access to personal knowledge (52.3%) and understanding the importance of prescribed medicines (54.3%) were prevalent among the participants.
Conclusion: The study concluded that a significant number of medical students practiced self-medication, primarily motivated by underestimating the severity of illnesses. Over-the-counter painkillers and antibiotics, despite requiring a physician’s prescription, were the most commonly self-prescribed medications among the study population.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Healthcare Utilization, Self-Medication.

How to cite this: Tahi Sk, Zaidi N, Shabbir M, Eman S, Batool A, Qureshi MH, Tariq MD. Frequency of Self Medication Among Health Science Students in Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan. Life and Science. 2024; 5(2): 222-227. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.505