Self-medication's knowledge and practice in adults attending pharmacies in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Self-medication is a widespread practice that may contribute to the antibiotic resistance of human pathogens. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication among Libyan patients in Tripoli city. This descriptive, questionnaire- based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2022 among Libyan patients in Tripoli city. The questionnaire was compromising from 13 questions. Three questions were dedicated to the general demographics and the next 10 questions were based on self-medication of drugs for the prevention and treatment of respiratory symptoms. All these questions if answered as a "No" was considered as self-medication. Among 214 participants, 176 (82%) were found to have practiced self-medication; 38.3% of them were aged less than 25 years, the majority being males (60.7%). Lack of time and feeling confidence with self-medication practice were the most common reasons cited behind practicing self-medication. Pain suppressing medications were the most selfmedicated drugs by 55.68%. Pharmacies (67.05%) were the commonest source regarding medicines for self-medication. The higher educated tended to self-medicate more than those with a low level of education. The majority of the respondents to the study reported self-medicating. Therefore, it's essential to enforce the law strictly and raise public awareness of the negative effects of self-medication.