Prevalence and Perception of Self-Medication of Analgesics Among Medical Students of Punjab

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a global health concern, particularly the use of analgesics without medical consultation. This practice is prevalent among medical students due to their knowledge of pharmacology, easy access to medications, and belief that mild health issues do not require medical attention.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in Punjab. Using the RAOSOFT sample calculator, a minimum sample size of 397 was determined. Data from 464 participants were collected through a multistage stratified random sampling technique and analyzed using SPSS version 19. An anonymous, confidential, self-administered questionnaire inquired about socio-demographics and self-medication practices in the past six months.Results: Among 464 students, 73.9% reported self-medicating with analgesics. Prevalence was highest among students aged 22–23 years (38.8%) and fourth-year students (29.7%). Primary sources of information included self-use (32.9%), advice from friends/family (29.7%), and pharmacists (24.8%).Conclusion: Self-medication with analgesics is highly prevalent among medical students, influenced by factors such as pharmacological knowledge, easy access, and socioeconomic status. Effective strategies, including education, regulation, and strict surveillance, are necessary to manage and reduce self-medication practices.Trial Registration: The study was ethically approved by the Institutional Review Board of Ameer ud din Medical College, Lahore.