Self-Medication and its Associated Factors among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a global concern among professionals and non-professionals, with a rapid increase in prevalence. The study aims to assess the prevalence of self-medication and its associated factors among university students.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in three universities, and a total of 817 college students participated in this study.

Results: About 75.40% of the participants reported using medications without a professional prescription. The category of analgesics was the most commonly used in self-medication (82.80%), while the most common symptom was a headache (81.50%). Almost 74.10% percent of participants who have practiced self-medication stated that the reason was the "lack of time to consult a physician." Most participants who have used self-medication (90.30%) stated that the source of knowledge was "previous prescription."

Conclusions: Health education programs concerning self-mediation should be held in university settings to improve attitudes and practices toward self-mediation.