Prevalence Of Self-medication Research Articles

A Study on Impact of Self Medication in Adults and Paediatrics in COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Self-medication is defined as the use of medicinal products by the consumer to treat self-recognized disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms, which often is accompanied by potential risks to the consumers, including toxicity, therapeutic failure and drug-drug as well as drug-food interactions. The practice of self-medication has exponentially risen during the Covid-19 pandemic due to fear of visiting healthcare setups and subsequently contracting infections. Aim: The present study aims to determine the prevalence of self-medication in adults and pediatric patients during Covid-19. settings and Design: A cross-sectional community-based survey study was conducted among 556 participants, including pediatric and adult populations, for a period of 6 months, through an online platform. Methods and Material: The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which included informed consent, questions on patient demographics and self-medication practices, and plausible reasons for it. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0, and R environment ver.3.2.2 software. Results: Out of 556 participants the prevalence of self-medicating with paracetamol was considered to be high both in adults and paediatrics which was found to be 72.6% (319) and 66.6% (117) respectively. During Covid-19 symptoms, it was reported that Azithromycin consumption was found to be more than paracetamol. It also showed that 62.9% (439) were self-medicating before the Covid-19 pandemic and 20.5 % (439) were not aware of the risks associated with self-medication. The major source of self-medication was found to be Google (46.5%) followed by using old prescriptions (121.5%) and using family or friends’ prescriptions (10.9%). Conclusions: The study showed a conclusive rise in self-medication practices during the Covid pandemic among the SM-naïve population. Keywords: Self-medication, Prevalence, Prescription, Covid-19

Prevalence of Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Bahri University Medical Students, Sudan 2022

<i>Background</i>: Antibiotics are medications that eliminate life threating infections from the body. It’s one of the most reported medications that used without doctor’s prescription. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics is quite high in developing countries as opposed to developed countries. It is linked with negative outcomes on individual and community health. In addition to its central part in increasing the global problem of antibiotic resistance. In Sudan, despite the overall acceptable level of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance. Few studies have been carried out to assess prevalence of self-medication. <i>Objective</i>: To evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with Antibiotics among fourth- and fifth-year medical students at University of Bahri. <i>Method</i>: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Conducted among 226 medical students. Selected from fourth- and fifth-year medical students at university of Bahri using google form questionnaire. Then analyzed by using SPSS (statistical package for social science) version 25. <i>Result</i>: We found in this study approximately 82.7% of 4th and 5th year medical students at University of Bahri are using antibiotics without prescription. Amoxicillin and azithromycin are the most two common utilized antibiotics without prescription. In addition, we found the main sources of information and knowledge about appropriate dose regarding the self-medication with antibiotics are the academic experience more than (26%) and pharmacist recommendation more than (50.4%). And we found the awareness of the adverse effects of antibiotics without prescription demonstrated by 85.4% of the students. <i>Conclusion</i>: The study concludes that prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among 4th and 5th year medical students at University of Bahri is high, despite of their awareness of adverse effects.

Assessment of Self-Medication Practices among Undergraduate Students Before and During COVID-19

Objective: To assess self-medication knowledge, prevalence, reasons, and conditions among undergraduate medical students. Material and Methods: A survey was conducted among 329 undergraduate healthcare students in tertiary care hospitals & IOD using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and categorical variables were analyzed with Chi-square and logistic regression tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Self-medication was prevalent among 202 (61.4%) participants: 54 (26.7%) before COVID-19, 16 (7.9%) during COVID-19, and 132 (65.3%) both periods. Knowledge levels varied: 179 (54.4%) with poor knowledge, 150 (45.6%) with good knowledge regarding self-medication. Painkillers 176 (87.1%) were commonly self-administered class of drug, with fever 166 (82.6%) being the most treated condition. Individuals often used their own prior prescriptions 125 (62.5%) as a source of information for self-medication. The predominant reason for self-medication was fear of contact with the infected person during the pandemic, along with fear of quarantine or isolation. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reveals concerning self-medication practices among undergraduate healthcare students, particularly with painkillers for common ailments. Field of study, academic year, and personal background influenced self-medication tendencies, while highlighting knowledge gaps. The COVID- 19 pandemic exacerbated these behaviours, necessitating immediate attention. Healthcare education must adapt to equip future professionals with decision-making skills amid rising self-medication practices.

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among community members of Mtendere Township in Lusaka, Zambia: findings and implications on antimicrobial stewardship

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a public health problem affecting all countries and leads to an increase in morbidity and mortality rates. In Zambia, there is little information on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of community members about antibiotic use and resistance. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among community members in Mtendere township of Lusaka Zambia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted from May 2020 to August 2020 using a structured questionnaire among 369 Mtendere residents. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: Of the 369 participants, 50.9% were male and 62.1% were aged between 18 and 29 years. Overall, this study found a poor KAP (38% good knowledge, 58% positive attitudes, and 52% good practices) regarding AMU and AMR. More than half of the participants 66.7% (246/369) had heard of antibiotics, 33.6% heard of AMR, and 23% heard of antimicrobial-resistant infections. Most of the participants 48.2% were not aware that AMR is a public health issue. A total of 52.8% (195/369) of the participants said they did not take antibiotics without consulting a doctor or pharmacist, translating into a prevalence of self-medication of 47.2%. Conclusions: This study showed that Mtendere residents had poor KAP towards antibiotic use and resistance. There is a need to implement community-based interventional campaigns including antimicrobial stewardship programmes address the gaps in KAP identified in this study.

Health literacy as mediator between perception of illness and self-medication behaviour among outpatients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: implication to primary healthcare nursing

IntroductionPerception of illness (PI) and self-medication (SM) have been thoroughly explored in the existing literature. However, there is a lack of understanding about the mediating effect of health literacy on PI and SM in a non-homogenous population like Saudi Arabia. As such, primary healthcare nurses who have constant interaction with the outpatients have difficulty addressing self-medication. This study aimed to investigate health literacy as mediator between PI and SM among outpatients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional approach and was conducted at 10 major primary healthcare (PHC) clinics serving 30 million individuals in 13 different regions of KSA. The 424 outpatients who participated in this study were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection started in November 2022 and concluded in February 2023.ResultsThe mean of the Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool, self-medication scale (SMS), and PI scores were 13.01 ± 3.32, 27.46 ± 7.01, and 45.56 ± 7.69, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the age and BRIEF scores (p = 0.039), and the level of education was significantly related to all variables, as were nationality and BRIEF scores (p = 0.001). Finally, occupation was significantly related to BRIEF and SMS scores (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Completing college and being non-Saudi had positively significant effects on health literacy (p < 0.01). The structural equation model (SEM) found no effect of PI on health literacy or SM behaviour (p = 0.263 and 0.84, respectively), but health literacy did have an effect on SM behaviour (p<0.001).ConclusionHealth literacy is an important factor in self-medication behavior and that PI is not directly related to health literacy or self-medication behavior, but that health literacy does influence self-medication behavior. Therefore, primary healthcare givers should promote public health literacy alongside the control of other conditions as one of the most effective ways to decrease the prevalence of self-medication and the risks associated with it.

Patients' Opinions on Antibiotics in the Treatment of Dental Infections: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' knowledge and perceptions of the use of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of endodontic infections and to determine the possible contribution of patients to the development of bacterial resistance. Methods: A total of 550 patients were asked to respond to a survey on the perception of systemic antibiotic use in the treatment of endodontic infections and antibiotic resistance during January 2022 and March 2023. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine possible correlates in the population regarding antibiotic use in the endodontic world. Results: A total of 514 patients were included in the study, 65.9% of whom were women. While 34.6% of the population studied thought that it was always necessary to take antibiotics prior to endodontics, 49.4% considered that they were necessary after endodontics, regardless of the clinical symptoms. The prevalence of self-medication was 17.3%, and women self-medicate more than men, with significant differences (p < 0.05), although they have a greater knowledge of antibiotic resistance than men (p < 0.05). Forty-four percent of the population expected to take antibiotics when faced with dental pain, mainly women (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The general population is contributing to the serious problem of bacterial resistance. It is necessary to promote educational strategies focused on the correct use of antibiotics in the community. The worst results were found mainly in the population with a low level of education. The level of education was the variable that most influenced the knowledge and attitudes of the population, followed by the sex of the participants.

Prevalence of self-medication practices among pregnant women in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Self-medication practice among pregnant women is a global concern. However, its understanding in the Indian context is limited due to a lack of comprehensive studies. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of self-medication, the medications used for self-medication, diseases/conditions associated with self-medication, and the reasons for self-medication among Indian pregnant women. This study was carried out following the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A thorough search was done in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar to find articles that were published up until May 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised observational studies reporting self-medication prevalence among pregnant women in India. Data were extracted using a standardized sheet, and a random-effects model was applied to determine the overall prevalence of self-medication using R software. The I2 statistic was employed to assess the heterogeneity among the studies. This study analyzed eight studies with a collective sample size of 2208 pregnant women. The pooled prevalence of self-medication among pregnant Indian women was 19.3% (95% CI: 7.5%-41.3%; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01). Common self-treated conditions were cold, cough, fever, headache, and stomach disorders. Antipyretics, analgesics, antihistamines, and antacids were frequently used for self-medication. The perception of mild ailment, immediate alleviation, convenience, time savings, and advice from family, friends, or the media were all reasons for self-medication. Local pharmacies were the most usual source for obtaining drugs, and pharmacists, family, friends, and past prescriptions were common sources of medicine information. A low yet substantial number of pregnant women in India are engaged in self-medication practices. Appropriate strategies need to be planned to reduce self-medication practices to attain sustainable developmental goals for maternal health in India.

IJCM_409A: Prevalence And Pattern of Self-Medication With Antibiotics: A Community- Based Cross-Sectional Study From South-East Delhi

Background: Antibiotics are commonly self-medicated drugs worldwide, with over 50% purchased and used without a prescription. Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global public health concern. Although many studies have been conducted worldwide to study the prevalence and pattern of self-medication with antibiotics and associated socio-demographic factors (SMA), very few have been conducted in India, and no such studies have been conducted in Delhi in community setup, especially in post-pandemic setup. Objective: 1. To estimate the prevalence and pattern of self-medication with antibiotics among the adults residing in the field practice areas of a medical college in South-East Delhi. 2. To determine the socio-demographic factors and their association with self-medication with antibiotics among the study subjects. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in South-East Delhi. The sample size was calculated as 200 considering an absolute error of 5% at a 95% level of significance. Simple random sampling was done to select households by using a Random number generator. The total sample size of 200 was distributed proportionately between the UHTC and RHTC, according to Probability Proportional to Size (PPS). One individual from each selected household of age = 18 years who has used antibiotics in the past 3 months and met the eligibility criteria was included in the study. A self-designed, pre-tested, validated, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: 71(35%) out of 200 of the participants practiced SMA. Nearly 42% of them lived in urban areas. 30% had an education level of high school and above. The Chi-square test revealed that the participant’s level of education was significantly associated with SMA. The frequency of SMA ranges from one to a maximum of five times in the past 3 months. 69% of the respondents administered antibiotics twice in the past 3 months. The indications for SMA were fever (34%), followed by cold and flu (23%) and UTI (14%). Most of the participants who practiced SMA obtained antibiotics from the pharmacy (75%) followed by leftovers from previous treatment (17%). Conclusion: The study revealed that more than one-third of the respondents practiced SMA. The findings from the present study indicate the necessity of activating antimicrobial stewardship programs throughout the country, as well as implementing effective legislation to prohibit dispensing antibiotics without prescription.

IJCM_412A: Self Medication Practices Among Patient Attending Fever Opd At Tertiary Care Hospital In Mumbai.

Background: Self-medication is defined as the use of drugs to treat self- diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. The practice of self-medication is common worldwide in both developed and developing countries which often leads to dangerous unwarranted adverse effects, antimicrobial resistance, ultimately increasing cost burden due to health care. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication among patients; to identify risk factors that could influence self-medication practices; to identify sources of information about medications used; and to identify reasons for self-medication. Methodology: cross-sectional study was carried out among patient, information regarding self-medication use in the past six months and associated sociodemographic factors, purpose, source of drug procurement, attitude toward self-medication use were collected. The data were obtained using a validated pretested self-administered questionnaire. The collected data will be analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In our study the prevalence of Self Medication practices were observed to be 45.6%. The practice was noticed more among individuals from lower middle class family with a prevalence rate of 26%. Telling the symptoms to pharmacist was the commonest method adopted to procure drugs by the users i.e. 61%Majority of the self-medication users expressed that self-medication is harmless and 32.2 % found it effective and 88.9% said they had never experienced any adverse effects, 81.3 % consider it as acceptable practice. Conclusion: Prevalence of SM practices are high. Most common reason being poverty, confidence in self – diagnosis, In order to mitigate the negative effects of SM behaviours, additional prompt measures are required.

Self-medication with antibiotics and its associated factors among university students: a cross-sectional study

Background Self-medication is the use of medications to address self-perceived disorders or symptoms, typically without a prescription or medical oversight. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable increase in self-medication practices, particularly with antibiotics. This study is incited by the rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the increased antibiotic consumption observed during the COVID-19 crisis in Pakistan. Methods This study was conducted at the University of Balochistan from April to November 2022, to find out the prevalence of self-medication among students through a comprehensive questionnaire covering frequency, reasons, types of medications used, sources of information, and demographic characteristics. SPSS version 21 was used to analyze the data. Results In this study, a total of 730 participants took part, resulting in a response rate of (708) 97%. The average age of the study participants was 22.78 ± 2.758 years. The study found that most participants were male (69.5%), with the highest representation from third-year students in the biological sciences field (30.5%), primarily residing in hostels (59.3%) and receiving monthly allowances between 10000-15000 (54.2%). Factors such as gender, marital status, field of study in biological and natural sciences, residing in a hostel, absence of family members in the health profession, and specific monthly allowance ranges. Conclusion The study concluded high rates of self-administration of antibiotics among University of Balochistan students, with factors such as gender, marital status, field of study, hostel residency, family healthcare background, and financial constraints playing significant roles. Urgent interventions are necessary to educate students on the dangers of self-medication.

Exploring Antibiotic Self Medication Patterns: A Cross-Sectional Study among Patients in Multiple Hospitals

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the multifaceted impact of self-medication with antibiotics, delving into its implications for public health. The potential repercussions of self-medication extend beyond individual well-being. This study investigates the broader consequences, including the wastage of crucial healthcare resources, the development of antibiotic resistance, adverse reactions, delays in seeking appropriate medical care, and the exacerbation of common illnesses. By understanding the complexities surrounding self-medication, particularly with antibiotics, we aim to contribute valuable insights to inform public health strategies, medical interventions, and educational campaigns.&#x0D; The research seeks to identify patterns, motivations, and behaviors associated with self-medication, shedding light on the factors that drive individuals to bypass professional medical advice. With a focus on antibiotics, a class of drugs critical for treating bacterial infections, the study aims to highlight the potential risks and challenges posed by unsupervised antibiotic use.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional study, conducted from September 13 to September 25, 2022, investigates self-medication with antibiotics among 300 patients from five hospitals. Employing a confidential 20-question questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews, the research aims to understand prevalence and patterns of self-medication. Quantitative data analysis utilizes parametric Z-tests through SPSS Software (version 21). Ethical considerations include obtaining approval, ensuring informed consent, and maintaining confidentiality. Limitations include potential selection and recall bias associated with convenience sampling and self-reported data, respectively.&#x0D; Findings: Among the 300 participants, 47% were male, and 53% were female. The majority were adults aged between 20 to 40 years, with 64% from Rawalpindi. Over 50% of participants had matriculation or higher education. Ninety-seven percent of people had used antibiotics at least once in their life, with 63% practicing self-medication. Notably, 49% self-medicated 1-5 times in the past year. The primary reasons for self-medication included convenience (47%), personal experience (34%), and previous doctor's prescriptions (32%). Only 36% completed the prescribed antibiotic course. A significant percentage (71%) never changed the dosage of antibiotics, while 22% sometimes altered the dosage. Switching antibiotics during the course occurred in 21% of cases, primarily because the initial treatment was ineffective. Additionally, 51% of participants believed they could successfully treat common infections with antibiotics. Most participants (63%) stopped taking antibiotics if they experienced side effects during the course. A majority (62%) did not complete the antibiotic course after early symptom relief. Regarding dosage, 74% of participants believed that larger antibiotic doses did not guarantee quicker action. Furthermore, 36% of participants occasionally gave prescribed antibiotics to sick family members, and 10% always did.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This research significantly advances our understanding of antibiotic self-medication across theoretical, policy, and practical dimensions. The study intricately explores the prevalence and nuanced patterns characterizing patients' self-medication behaviors with antibiotics, thereby contributing to the refinement of existing theoretical frameworks in healthcare behavior. The comprehensive insights gained from this research provide a foundation for a more sophisticated understanding of the intricate interplay of factors influencing patients' decisions regarding antibiotic use. This understanding enables the formulation of targeted policies aimed at mitigating the potential risks associated with unsupervised antibiotic use, contributing to broader public health initiatives combating antibiotic resistance and ensuring the well-being of communities.

A hospital-based cross-sectional study on parental self‑medication among children in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata

Introduction: Self-medication/self-prescription, the practice of using measures to treat and handle diseases, without consulting appropriate authority, has been significantly inculcated in modern society. Parental self-medication is today a significant paediatric public health problem contributing to global rise of antimicrobial resistance.Objectives: To assess the magnitude and determinants of parental self-medication among children attending a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on parents of 105 children attending the paediatric clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. Universal sampling was employed. Parents were surveyed by face-to-face interview using a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule validated by subject experts. Information on pattern, reasons, and perception of parental self-medication were elicited from the schedule. Microsoft Excel and STATA MP16 were used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean ages of the parents and their children were 31.79±5.6 years, and 5.3±2.9 years respectively. Prevalence of parental self-medication was 78.1% (95% CI: 69-85%). Analgesic-antipyretics were the most common type of medicine used during self-medication (77.1%), whereas prior experience in dealing with similar illness was the most common reason (42%) for practising self-medication. Higher educational levelof respondent parent and increased age of child (&gt;3 years) were significantly associated with the practice of self-medication in bivariate analysis.Conclusions: Prevalence of parental self-medication was 78.1%. Analgesic-antipyretics were used during self-medication in 77.1% cases. Prior experience in dealing with similar illness was the reason for practising self-medication in 42% cases. Higher educational level of the respondent parent and increased age of child (&gt;3 years) were significantly associated with the practice of self-medication.

Antibiotics Use, Resistance and Self-medication Practices among Healthcare Workers in a Federal Teaching Hospital in Southwest, Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to global health, and inappropriate drug use, including antibiotic self-medication, has been identified as an important factor in developing countries. This study assessed the knowledge, and attitude of antibiotic use and antibiotics resistance, as well as the practice of self-medication among healthcare workers. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a federal teaching hospital in Southwest, Nigeria among 320 healthcare workers selected through a two-stage sampling technique. A thirty-four-item self-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the questionnaire on antibiotic resistance: multi-country public awareness survey by the WHO was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation and logistic regression were carried out using SPSS version 25.0. The mean ±SD age of the participants was 36.3 ±9.2years and over one-third (37.5%) of them had 6-10years of experience. About two-thirds (66.3%) of the participants had good knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance while only 39.4% had positive attitudes. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was 30%. The identified positive predictors of antibiotics self-medication included having primary education (AOR:5.874, 95%CI:1.020-33.836) compared with tertiary education, poor knowledge (AOR:1.683, 95%CI:1.015-2.789) compared with good knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance as well as negative attitude (AOR:1.861, 95%CI:1.102-3.143) compared with a positive attitude towards antibiotic use and resistance. The level of knowledge and attitude in this study was suboptimal. Self-medication was linked with a lower level of education, poor knowledge, and a negative attitude. Therefore, we recommend the provision of appropriate health education to promote the rational use of antibiotics.

Self-medication cases reported to a poison information center in Brazil from 2014 to 2020

Introduction Self-medication is the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed illnesses or symptoms, on one’s own initiative, without the guidance of a healthcare professional. Poison centers play an important role in understanding the relationship between self-medication and poisoning. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients exposed to and/or poisoned by different drugs through self-medication. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study analyzed data from 2014 to 2020, provided by the Toxicological Information and Assistance Center of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data were selected, tabulated, and analyzed by using descriptive statistics and group comparison with the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were 683 cases of self-medication identified. Most patients were female (62.8 percent) and between 20 and 29 years old (26.1 percent). A toxic dose of a substance was administered in only 22.8 percent of the cases, and five deaths were recorded. The most commonly used medications were anxiolytics (18 percent), followed by analgesics and antipyretics (15.4 percent). Paracetamol was the drug used in three of the five cases that resulted in deaths. Discussion This study demonstrates the prevalence of self-medication among women aged between 20 and 29 years old. Statistical analysis failed to show a relationship between a toxic dose and clinical manifestations. Anxiolytics, analgesics, and antipyretics are the most reported medications probably because healthcare professionals are mostly the ones who contact the center. Analgesics and antipyretics account for more than fifty percent of the deaths caused by self-medication in the present report. Some limitations such as secondary sources are related. Conclusion We highlight the importance of health professionals in promoting the rational use of medicines, as well as poison centers in assisting the population and raising their awareness regarding the issue.

Analgesic Self-medication Among Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in a South African Chiropractic Teaching Clinic: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) and analgesic self-medication. The knowledge and practices of those who self-medicate with analgesics and factors influencing this was also ascertained. MethodsThis study was a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study. A survey was conducted amongst 302 participants with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) attending a chiropractic clinic within a South African tertiary university from July to September 2022. The analysis of analgesic self-medication was limited to participants who reported having CMSP. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical software and methods, utilizing Chi-square, and nonparametric tests. ResultsThere was a high prevalence of analgesic self-medication with 80% of respondents reporting self-medicating with analgesics to manage their CMSP, and a point prevalence of 57%. More females (86%) than males (69%) self-medicated with analgesics. Participants between 35 and 44 years were statistically more likely to self-medicate with analgesics (P = .048). The majority (96%) sourced their analgesics from a pharmacy without a prescription. It was found that the most frequently used analgesics were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (70%) followed by paracetamol (58%) and combination analgesics (54%). A significant number of participants (55%) utilizing public health care services used combination analgesics obtained without a prescription compared to 34% of analgesic users that utilized private health care (P < .030). ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence of self-medication with analgesics, particularly NSAIDs and paracetamol, in participants with CMSP. These findings can guide chiropractors in patient education, reducing self-medication risks and complications.

The prevalence and causes of self-medication among medical university students in Iran during COVID-19 outbreak and its implications for public health and health systems: A cross-sectional study.

Self-medication is a worldwide phenomenon that brings advantages and disadvantages to public health and health systems. This study investigated the extent and causes of self-medication among medical university students and its implications for public health in Iran in 2020. The present study was designed as a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication. The population of the study was the students of health sciences programs who all entered the study. The data collection tool included a questionnaire designed online and available to students. The content validity ratio of the questionnaire was 0.84, and the alpha Cronbach coefficient was calculated at 0.8936. The prevalence of self-medication among medical university students was 19%. The most common reason for self-medication was the safety of medicines (66.67%). The most usual form of medication used was the tablet (35.67%), the most common drug taken was acetaminophen (69.01%), and the most common disease to self-medicate for was headache (67.36%). Estimating the odds ratio of self-medication with demographic variables showed no relationship. However, after adjusting the variables, age and type of degree showed an association with self-medication, as the older participants and postgraduate students had positive attitudes toward self-medication. Self-medication may be helpful, but it often needs proper guidance and logic and can carry various risks. Considering that medical sciences students will be influential in society in the future, it is necessary to pay more attention to correcting their drug use culture and providing access to health services for everyone. Appropriate prescription of medicines, controlling drug sales in pharmacies, highlighting the role of pharmacists in safe self-medication, and controlling the prevalence of self-medication is necessary.

Prevalence and determinants of antibiotics self-medication among indigenous people of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesSelf-medication with antibiotics (SMA) contributes significantly to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in low-income countries including Bangladesh. This study aimed to generate evidence on the self-reported prevalence of...

Investigation of the Prevalance of Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Students in Afganistan : Insight From Kabul Medical University

Self-medication with antibiotics poses a significant public health challenge worldwide, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and adverse health outcomes. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with self-medication among medical students at Kabul Medical University in 2021. A descriptive approach was employed, utilizing online questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 216 participants. Results revealed a high prevalence of self-medication, with 67.1% of students reporting antibiotic use in the past year and 56.2% engaging in self-medication during the same period. Sore throat emerged as the most commonly self-treated ailment, indicating a tendency to misuse antibiotics for minor symptoms. Reasons for self-medication included perceived symptom severity, previous experience, and the convenience of antibiotic use. Financial constraints and time limitations also influenced this behaviour. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote responsible antibiotic use and mitigate the risks associated with self-medication. Educational campaigns, regulatory measures, and healthcare reforms are recommended to address the multifaceted drivers of self-medication. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and determinants of self-medication with antibiotics among medical students, highlighting the importance of public health initiatives in curbing inappropriate antibiotic use and safeguarding antimicrobial efficacy.

Self-medication among Basic Science Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Self-medication is using drugs to treat self-diagnosed signs or symptoms of oneself or others. Being closer to pharmacology and pathology, medical students have been more prone to it. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication among basic sciences medical students in a tertiary care centre in Kathmandu. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among basic science students from 15 February 2023 to 14 March 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 04122022/04). A convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected online and analysed. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated.Results: Among 322 basic science medical students the prevalence of self-medication was 218 (67.70%) (64.81–70.59 at 95% Confidence Interval). Fever was the most common condition treated by self-medication 106 (48.62%) and paracetamol was the most common medication 93 (42.66%). Of those who engaged in self-medication, 97 (44.50%) did so to save time. Moreover, within this group, 67 (30.73%) experienced adverse drug reactions, leading 37 (16.97%) of these students to visit a private doctor. Additionally, 138 (63.30%) refrained from prescribing medication to their family and friends. Conclusions: Self-medication among basic science medical students was found to be lower in comparison to other studies done in similar settings.

Assessing risks and adverse effects of naphazoline hydrochloride: a literature review (2013-2023)

This study examines the risks and harms associated with the use of naphazoline hydrochloride (NHC). The methodology involved a narrative literature review from 2013 to 2023 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which identified eleven relevant articles from Scielo, Medline Complete, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The guiding question was: What are the risks and potential adverse effects associated with the use of NHC? Results and Discussion: Pharmacists play a crucial role in educating against misuse and promoting responsible medication use. However, challenges arise due to the prevalence of self-medication and limited pharmacist involvement in prescribing. The Role of Pharmacists: Harms of Misuse: Key concerns identified include systemic effects, drug-induced rhinitis, and dependence. Overuse of NHC during pregnancy and in children can lead to serious consequences such as hypothermia, bradycardia, and nervous system depression. The abuse hazards of NHC include rebound effects, drug-induced rhinitis, and long-term health risks such as hypertension and heart problems. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced pharmacist training to equip them to effectively counsel and prevent misuse. Additionally, increased public awareness campaigns should be implemented to promote responsible non-prescription healthcare (NHC) use. Stricter dispensing measures, such as regulations to restrict over-the-counter access, should also be put in place. It is essential to promote responsible NHC use. Pharmacists play a critical role in mitigating the risks associated with this widely used medication as public health educators and patient guides.