Self-medication practices and their characteristics among Iran university students

Abstract

Background: Self-medication in students as educated people is one of the most important health issues. It is known that inappropriate self-medication is harmful for individuals due to some potential risks and also harmful to the government because disrupts the drug market and increases the per capita financial drug consumption. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the habits related to rational use of drug (RUD) and the prevalence of self-medication practices among students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at Jahrom universities/Iran using an electronic “Self-medication practices and medication habits” questionnaire. The 848 students from four healthcare and non-healthcare faculties participated in the study. Results: The prevalence of self-medication among students was 44.8%. The most common medicines on self-medication were cold remedies and sedatives in about 33%. About 47% of students had used antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. The internet and social networks were the source of information about the RUD in about 40% of students. There was no difference in RUD between medical and non-medical students (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 659-1.134). RUD in students with underlying disease was higher than students without underlying disease (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.39-5.60). Conclusions: Self-medication was high prevalence in students. The best strategy in this high level of self-medication is to raise students' awareness and knowledge by colleges about potential risk of self-medication practices.