Rational Drug Use Status of Students at a University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Irrational drug use is a significant global and public health issue, including in Turkey Turk. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of students toward rational drug use . Methods: The study population comprised of 1909 students enrolled in Bakırçay University's 2019-2020 academic year. The sample size of the study was 780 students selected through stratified random sampling from each faculty. Data were collected using the "Rational Drug Use Form," which included demographic characteristics, background, drug use attitudes and behaviors, and the Rational Drug Use Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the students, 74.4% were female, and 42.3% were male, with a mean age of 19.9. Of the students, 28.2% self-medicated before consulting a doctor when sick, and 57.6% used medication for headaches without consulting a doctor. Additionally, 73.6% of them primarily used over-the-counter painkillers. Based on the Rational Drug Use Scale score of ≥35, which is considered the cut-off point in the literature, 491 students (73.3%) knew about rational drug use Conclusion: The students' knowledge of rational drug use was found to be above the average. However, campus courses and projects must be organized, and medical units should be supported, despite students' awareness of rational drug use

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Pattern of Self-Medication Used for Diarrhea Among Medical Students in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Central India

“…Furthermore, ORS emerged as a crucial choice for managing diarrhea in our study. Similar reports were quoted by Devy et al [34] and Sylvia et al [35] that ORS is commonly used for the self-medication of diarrhea.…”

“…most common antibiotic resulting in adverse drug reactions, followed by tablet azithromycin [30]. Another study found that the use of the norfloxacin+metronidazole combination can lead to adverse effects commonly associated with norfloxacin, such as mild nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [35]. Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) can improve patient compliance and decrease pill burden, but irrational prescribing of FDCs is a major health concern [40].…”