Self-Medication Practice During Covid-19 Among Medical Field Students at Umm Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Self-medication is prevalent practice that described as administration of one or more medications in order to treatself-diagnosed or self- recognized diseases or symptoms without the supervision of physician or pharmacist. The world is currentlystruggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes the prevalence of self-medication practice evident with the ongoingpandemic. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices among medical field students. Also,to determine the most common reasons, symptoms, and medications associated with self-medication practice. A descriptive crosssectionalstudy was conducted on 561 medical field students at Umm Al-Qura University to assess the prevalence, attitudes, andpractice of self-medication. A web-based questionnaire was conducted to collect their demographic, socioeconomic status, andhealth-related information. More precisely, Self-medication practice during COVID-19. Two-thirds of the students in the medicalsector self-medicated, and almost half of them reported doing so more frequently during the pandemic, according to the research.Pain and flu-like symptoms were the most often reported symptoms leading to self-medication. As a result, the students utilisedanalgesics and anti-flu drugs most frequently during this time. The report emphasises how common self-medication is among UmmAl-Qura University students studying medicine. These students must, however, grasp the boundaries of self-medication and whenit is important to seek professional medical guidance. Medical students may have a strong foundation in medicine, but registeredor licensed, trained and skilled healthcare professionals are still required for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment.Therefore, promoting awareness and providing education on responsible medication use is essential to ensure the well-being andsafety of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemicand beyond.Keywords: ; ; ; ,