The Prevalence and Causes of Self Medication among University Students

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a common phenomenon around the world which brings advantages and disadvantages to ones’ health and the health system. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and causes of self-medication among the students of a medical university in Iran. Methods: The present study was designed as a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that examined the knowledge, attitude and practice. The population of the study was the students of health sciences program who all entered the study. The data collection tool included a checklist and a questionnaire that was designed online and made available to students. Results: The prevalence of self-medication among students was 20-25%. The most common reason for self-medication was that in their opinion their medicines were safe (66.67%). The most common form of medication used was the tablet (35.67%), the most commonly used drug was acetaminophen (69.01%) and the most common disease to self-medicate for was headache (67.36%). Estimation of the odds ratio of self-medication with medication and its relationship with demographic variables showed no relationship between gender and marital status with self-medication. Among those surveyed, 17.17% had no insurance; 47.9% of students stated that lack of insurance was the reason for their self-medication. Conclusion: Although self-medication may be helpful, it is often without proper guidance and logic and can carry various risks that can be controlled. Considering that health students will be influential in society in future, it is necessary to pay more attention to correct their culture of drug use, and provide access to health services for everyone. Appropriate prescriptions of medicines as well as controlling the sale of drugs in pharmacies and highlighting the role of pharmacists in safe self-medication and controlling the prevalence of self-medication are necessary.