A comparative analysis of self-treatment in a population of medical students in 2012 and 2017

Abstract

Background. the use of over-the-counter (otC) medications without consulting a doctor has become increasingly common. Objectives. to compare the scale of self-treatment in a population of students of the Medical university of bialystok in 2012 and 2017. Material and methods. the study included 217 students in 2012 and 220 students in 2017, and used a proprietary questionnaire. Results. a total of 78.8% of students in 2012 and 86.4% in 2017 were familiar with the meaning of the abbreviation otC. when using an otC drug for the first time, most students consulted a nurse (66.4%) in 2012, while in 2017, students usually consulted a family member (68.8%). headache was the main reason for using otC drugs (89.4% in 2012, and 92.7% in 2017). the use of analgesics (87.1%) and the use of otC medicines in accordance with the leaflet (47%) predominated in 2012, while vitamin therapy (83.2%) took first place in 2017. when purchasing otC medications, students usually based their decision on their own experience (63.1% in 2012 and 84.1% in 2017). a total of 35.5% of the students in 2012 and 39.1% in 2017 always read the leaflet. Conclusions. self-medication was practiced by most students in both years, with lack of time for a medical appointment being the main reason. over the last 6 months, the students most often used prescription and non-prescription drugs simultaneously.

The Usage Pattern of Patients’ Drug Information Leaflet for Oral Non-Prescription Drugs Among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: Cross-Sectional Study

“…countries (50%) and significantly low (39.1%) in Poland yet 84% of participants mostly 30 years and above in Taiwan reported reading the DIL. 15 , 26 , 27 More robust and extended research needed to confirm this gap between the data where culture could be playing a role in this subject.…”

“…14 However, a recent study showed that many people do not read the information leaflet. 15 Such practice may therefore result in an incautious use of NPDs. Subsequently, people who practice self-medication may be unaware of the adequate dosages, administration time, and active ingredients when taking a drug without reading the information leaflet.…”

Self-medication practices and their characteristics among Iranian university students

“…Because of their active role in the media and cyberspace, university students can play a more important role in this area. On the other hand, university students are more vulnerable and prone to self-medication due to their social status, greater contact with people in the community, and their responsibilities as future parents [11][12][13]. Previous studies have revealed that, the prevalence of self-medication practice seemed to be high among students all over the world.…”

Self-medication practices and their characteristics among Iran university students

“…Because of their active role in the media and the Internet, they can play a more important role in this area. On the other hand, they are more vulnerable and prone to self-medication due to their social status, more contact with people in the community, and their responsibilities as future parents (10)(11)(12). Previous studies revealed that the prevalence of self-medication practice seemed to be high worldwide among students.…”