Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Viewpoints of Undergraduate University Students towards Self-Medication: An Institution-Based Study in Riyadh

Abstract

Rational and responsible self-medication (SM) is not only the key to better health outcomes, but also key to limiting adverse drug events. This institution-based cross-sectional study utilized seven- and four-item scales to assess the knowledge and attitude towards SM. Similarly, SM practices were measured using eight scale questions consisting of SM practice during the last six months, type of drug consumed, reason and frequency of SM, and so on. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Overall, 371 students completed the questionnaire. The students with a good level of knowledge and positive attitude towards SM were 60.64% and 66.8%, respectively. About 55.5% of students practiced SM during the last six months using antipyretics (37.7%), multivitamins (36.4%), sleeping aids (20.2%), and anti-histamines (18.6%). Headache (79.2%), fever (37.7%), pain (25.9%), and colds and coughs (25.3%) were the illnesses for which they sought SM. The students admitted that drug side effects (75%), drug resistance (33.7%), drug interaction (41.5%), and poor treatment outcome (28.3%) were the consequences of irrational SM practice. Students (87.6%) propose that extending SM awareness through the Ministry of Health (83%) and pharmaceutical companies (48%) as major platforms would improvise the rational practice. Since AlMaarefa University students will be future healthcare professionals, their perception must be considered and accordingly educated to practice rational SM.

Prevalence, Perception, and Practice, and Attitudes Towards Self-Medication Among Undergraduate Medical Students of Najran University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These findings are in line with previous studies. 13,19,23,26,28,30 In the present study, about half of the students (42.9%) reported that they had practiced SM one to three times during the last six months, which is less than once a month. This is comparable with findings from students of AlMaarefa University, Riyadh.…”

“…In our study, we observed that 60% of medical students had practiced SM during the last six months, which is lower compared to findings in students from King Khalid University, Abha (98.7%), 23 AlQassim University (86.6%), 24 and Jazan University (87%), 21 Bangladeshi undergraduate pharmacy students (88%), 13 and students from Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Iran (57%), 26 and Kasturba Medical College, India (78.6%). 12 In contrast, students from AlMaarefa University, Riyadh (55%), 19 and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (26%) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 20 demonstrated a lower prevalence of SM. We noticed that area of residence, marital status, father's profession, and distance to a healthcare facility had a significant impact on the practice of SM; similar findings were noted among AlMaarefa students, 19 where SM practice was low among students whose parents/family members were working in the health sector.…”

“…12 In contrast, students from AlMaarefa University, Riyadh (55%), 19 and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (26%) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 20 demonstrated a lower prevalence of SM. We noticed that area of residence, marital status, father's profession, and distance to a healthcare facility had a significant impact on the practice of SM; similar findings were noted among AlMaarefa students, 19 where SM practice was low among students whose parents/family members were working in the health sector.…”

“…According to recent studies, SM is frequent among people in the Middle East, leading to the misuse of medications. 18 , 19 Several regional types of research have concentrated on SM behavior among students in universities, recognizing the rise and significant practice of SM in this category, and also recognizing critical indicators such as lifestyle, easy access to and availability of prescription medicines, thorough knowledge, advertising, and a good education. 19–25 The common sources of medications for self-use were leftover prescription drugs, OTC medications obtained through pharmacies and some hypermarkets, borrowing of medications from family or friends, or purchase through online platforms.…”

“… 19–25 The common sources of medications for self-use were leftover prescription drugs, OTC medications obtained through pharmacies and some hypermarkets, borrowing of medications from family or friends, or purchase through online platforms. 19 …”