Prevalence of Self-prescribing Propranolol Among Medical and Dental Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

PurposeThe life of students is full of stressors that might have an impact on their mood and academic performance. These stressors are exaggerated among medical and dental students, as they have to worry more about financial, social, and academic issues. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of inappropriate self-prescribing of propranolol (Inderal®) among medical and dental students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MethodsA cross-sectional study using consecutive sampling was carried out among Saudi medical and dental students, who were enrolled in KSAU-HS during the study period. A validated newly developed English questionnaire was sent via E-mail to all eligible participants with response rate of 86.9%. Chi-square test was used to compare between groups, whereas multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out, where the variables that were included in the model were the ones that showed statistical significance at the bivariate level. ResultsAround 30% of the sample used propranolol (Inderal®) during their college years. Propranolol use predictors showed that females from both specialties were less likely to use propranolol (OR=0.11, 95% CI=0.06–0.24, P-value<.001), whereas medical students were more likely to be propranolol users (OR=12.38, 95% CI=4.89–31.35, P-value<.001). Notably, junior students were less likely to use the drug (OR=0.08, 95% CI=0.01–0.49, P-value= .006). ConclusionsThe overall results showed a slightly high rate of propanol misuse among medical and dental students. The majority of users are aware of the risks and potential side effects of self-prescribing medications, however; the anxiety relieving effect of propranolol increased its use prior to oral exams and presentations. Educational activity targeting students must be implemented.