Factors influencing knowledge and practice of self-medication among college students of health and non-health professions

Abstract

Background and objectives: Self-medication is commonly practiced throughout the world. The aim of this study was to ascertain the use prevalence and knowledge of harmful effects of selfmedication among college students of health professions and non-health professions.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 1,167 students from 12 faculties of a public university and two private universities in Kuwait. Data were collected using a selfadministered pretested questionnaire containing 32 questions.
 Results: Among the participants, 70.4% (822/1,167) used self-medication. The prevalence of self-medication was significantly higher among students of non-health professions compared with those of health professions (35.9% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.004, 95% CI, 6.28% to 13.73%, respectively). Pain killer medicines (52.9%), vitamins/minerals (13.1%), and antihistamines (9.0%) were the most commonly used non-prescription medications. Antibiotics and sleeping pills were used without a prescription in 2.9% and 2.1%, respectively. Older age, non-Kuwaiti national, and students of 5th to 7th year of study were significant predictors of self-medication. Knowledge scores of harmful effects of self-medication were about two-fold higher among females than their male counterparts. Similarly, students of higher years of study (5th to 7th year) had higher knowledge score compared with others.
 Conclusions: The prevalence of self-medication was alarmingly high among young adults in Kuwait. People should be informed about adverse effects of self-medication through mass and social media campaign.
 IMC J Med Sci 2018; 12(2): 57-68

Knowledge, attitudes and practice of self-medication among university students in Portugal: A cross-sectional study

“…Regarding knowledge about self-medication, there was a low level of knowledge, corroborating the findings of other international studies with university students (Gyawali, 2015; James et al, 2006; Mitra et al, 2019), in particular medical courses (Shankar et al, 2016). However, after reviewing the existing literature on this subject, other studies have been identified in which university students displayed a good level of knowledge about self-medication (Karmacharya et al, 2018; Mehta & Sharma, 2015).…”

“…The prevalence of consumption of medicines without prescription in higher education varies by geographical area, so in previous studies in the Middle East region it was shown that university students engaged more frequently in self-medicating behaviour than the subjects analysed in our study (Palestine – 98%, Sawalha, 2008; Kuwait – 70.4%, Mitra et al, 2019; New Delhi – 85.4%, Adhikary et al, 2014; Saudi Arabia – 73%, Alshawi et al, 2018 and 65.58%, Mustafa & Rohra, 2017; India – 84.0%, Kumar et al, 2013; Nepal – 83.3%, Karmacharya et al, 2018 and 81.9%, Gyawali, 2015). In this region studies were conducted in some countries which also identified a similar prevalence of this behaviour when compared to Portuguese university students (Egypt – 55%, El-Ezz & Ez-Elarab, 2011; Bangladesh – 54.5%, Idris et al, 2016; Kingdom of Bahrain – 44.8%, James et al, 2006).…”

“…As we previously pointed out, corroborating scientific literature, being female increases the likelihood of self-medicating by 2.37 times when compared to men. This finding may be justified, in the present study, by the fact that women possess a higher level of knowledge about self-medication than men, but it can also be, at least in part, attributed to social and cultural factors, such as the cautious and vigilant nature of women (Mitra et al, 2019), or biological ones, for example, in the case of menstrual pain (Donkor et al, 2012; Mogil, 2012).…”

Perceived Self-medication Practices and Associated Factors among Undergraduates in a Non-State University

“…Of the participants who experienced side effects, about 45% had consulted a doctor and about 35% had stopped taking the drug after experiencing side effects with SMP. A similar result was found in Kuwait (Mitra et al, 2018). (Subhashini & Udayanga, 2020).…”

Prevalence and Determinants of Antibiotic Self-Administration Among Adult Antibiotic Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

“… 33 According to Mitra et al, the youngest people were more prone to self-administration with antibiotic as they perceived less willingness and trust to visit doctors while going through minor health issues. 28 …”