Influence of Medication Error among Medical and Non-medical Students in a Malaysian University

Abstract

Background: Worldwide medication error is a common problem and inappropriate use of medicinal drugs is a major issue of drug resistance. Self-medication is a main contributor to human pathogen resistance to certain antibiotics. This research aims to investigate the prevalence, perception and predictors of self-medication among students in a Malaysian University. Methods: A total number of 317 students were included in this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted from Feb-May 2018. A convenience sample was taken from medical and non-medical university students. The association between the independents factors and the prevalence of self-medication was analysed using binary logistic regression. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: Among the respondents, 39.1% of them had recently practiced self-medication. The most common reason for self-medication was due to convenience (50%) and the most common source of the medication is directly from pharmacies (46.4%). Commonly used medicines were analgesics (44.4%), cough and cold remedies (31.0%) and antibiotics (9.9%). The majority of students (46.0%) experienced sleepiness after self-medication. Overall, the participants scored a mean 8 out of 10 questions for knowledge assessments on self-medication. In the assessment of the participants’ attitude towards self-medications, the participants agreed with 4 of 5 statements that are against self-medication. The probability of self-medication was higher among medical students compare to non medical students (OR=2.039, P=0.025). In addition, students who are suffering from long term illness are at more risk of self medication (OR=5.190, P= 0.004). Conclusion: Selfmedication poses significant risk of toxicity upon misuse and proper selfmedication should be taught to all people through educational programs and better drug dispensing systems. Key words: Self-medication, Over the counter, Medical and non-medical.