Self-medication Practices Research Articles

Assessment of knowledge and practice of selfmedication among undergraduates of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba Kogi State, Nigeria

Self-medication is defined as obtaining and consuming drugs without the advice of a medical practitioner either for diagnosis, prescription or surveillance of treatment. It is fairly common practice in today’s era, be it in general population, or confined to a relatively smaller group of students. Self-medication can lead to wasteful expenditure, increase in morbidities due to adverse effects and resistance to antibiotics. The objectives of the study was to assess the knowledge and practice of self-medication among undergraduates of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used for this study. A sample of 300 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. The findings of the study found that most of the respondents have good knowledge of selfmedication and that self-medication is widely practiced among undergraduates of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria despite their knowledge of its side effects. Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore recommended that the school authority need to enhance the level of knowledge on the health consequences of self-medication through seminar and health talk.

Self-medication and its associated factors in Amdanga block of West Bengal

Background: The WHO defines the use of medications without prior medical consultation regarding indication, dosage and duration of treatment as self-medication. The practice is a global problem. Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to describe the care seeking behavior of rural self-medicators living in Amdanga Block of West Bengal and to assess the belief in medicines by the self-medicators. Material & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing with a pretested semi-structured questionnaire on 665 self-medicators out of 1740 adults who were interviewed in 80 villages of Amdanga Block, West Bengal. A three-stage sampling method was used to reach the study population. A three month recall on self-medication practice was considered operationalizing the “pull” and “push” factors of self-medicators using a Pshycho-social framework. The variables were Socio-demographic factors, Care Seeking Behaviors, Health System related factors, Belief in Medicines according to the framework. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 38.2%. 63% of the study subjects were female and 56.3% had a literacy status of middle school and above. 54.4% relied on their old prescription for self-medication. 68.7% had an initial choice to consult a doctor but later self-medicated of whom 53.2% changed their choice due to monetary and transport issues while 38.5% thought of self-medication considering their disease was mild in nature. Conclusion: Awareness and health education can link rural subjects with primary care facility and right decisions on care can be provided.

Study of self-medication in students belonging to the area of Economic-Administrative Sciences of the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit

Self-medication is a practice that is misguided by marketing and without permanent monitoring by drug regulatory authorities, which can cause serious damage to the health of the individual, the family and the community. The risks of self-medication occur mainly when the patient consumes prescription medicines that are sold freely. For this reason, it is important to know and study this behaviour in our social environment, so that problems can be identified and therefore strategies can be designed to improve the conditions that require it. The study of the practice of self-medication in the university community is of great interest for two fundamental reasons. Firstly, because students will be the most qualified professionals in the future and will possibly exert a certain influence at all levels of their environment, not only professionally but also socially and culturally. Secondly, because the university environment offers multiple possibilities, from the academic and extra-academic sphere, to propose and carry out training, educational, informative and informative actions on the issue of self-medication.

THE EMERGENCE OF FLUOROQUINOLONES RESISTANCE AMONG MDR-TB PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE FACILITY IN SIALKOT

Pakistan is one of the countries that has a very high rate of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The rising rate of drug resistance can be linked to several issues, including the private sector that is inadequately regulated, an increase in the number of prescribed antibiotics, and the practice of self-medication. A national anti-tuberculosis medication resistance survey found a high prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fluoroquinolone resistance among multi drugs resistant TB patients. This study looked at the records of drug susceptibility testing, known as DST, for a total of 276 patients at Govt. Allama Iqbal memorial teaching hospital Sialkot, who was receiving treatment for tuberculosis. Eight-six patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. The incidence of fluoroquinolone (ofloxacin) resistance was investigated, and its association with demographic factors and previous TB treatment categories was studied. When assessing fluoroquinolone resistance on DST, 44 (51.2%) patients resisted levofloxacin and 11 (12.8%) with moxifloxacin. In our study, the fluoroquinolones resistance was not statistically different in Cat-1 and Cat-2 patients. Similarly, age and gender also showed no significant difference in resistance to moxifloxacin and levofloxacin in MDR-TB patients. An alarmingly high percentage of MDR-TB infections showed resistance to fluoroquinolones. Based on our findings, it may be necessary to reevaluate current treatment recommendations for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. There is an immediate need for stricter pharmacy regulations and better responsible involvement of private healthcare providers.

Self-Medication Among the Elderly and Factors Associated with It

Objective: Our study aims to assess the frequency of self-medication in elderly people of Karachi, identify its reasons and associated risk factors. Study Design & Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted in waiting areas of OPDs at Liaquat National hospital and its outreach centers. Methodology: Study duration was June-December, 2021. We approached all patients and aged 60 years and above. After taking written informed consent, targeted population was interviewed to find out self-medication performed within last three months and its reason and causes. Participants’ demographics, symptoms for which self-medication was performed, different type of medications used, reasons of opting self-medication and different approaches for dose adjustment were also investigated. Data was recorded by a pre-designed questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Result: Out of 200 elderly included in the study, 87% of them reported self-medication in a 3-month recall period. Pain (63.8%), fever (56.9%), headache (50%), cough, and cold (37.4%) were the most common symptoms. Pain killers (81.6%), fever-reducing drugs (58%) and cough syrup (39.1%) were the top three medicines used for self-medication. One-fifth of the respondents reported self-medication of antibiotics. Top three frequent reasons for self-medication were convenience (99.4%), disease of mild nature (85.1%) and for quick relief of symptoms (78.7%). None of the patient’s demographic factors were found to be associated with self-medication practice. Conclusion: Self-medication is a highly prevalent practice in elderly people of Karachi including non-prescribed usage of antibiotics. Major reforms in primary health care are needed to address this growing problem

Self-Medication of Prescription Only Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs among Households in Alimosho LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication of NSAIDs among adults in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State. The study is descriptive inferential form cross-sectional study that involved collection of data from adults in the LGA. The data collected from questionnaires administered to adults who were randomly selected across the LGA was analyzed to evaluate the association between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication. The respondents who participated in the research were adults who were 18 years and above. Of the 652 respondents 50.8% were males and while 49.2% were females. Demographic profile and Information sources were tested for association with self-medication. Among respondents, 80.6% admitted that they are self-medicated, and a binary logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effect of gender, age, marital status, and educational attainment on the likelihood of respondents engaging in self-medication. The overall logistic regression was statistically significant, χ2 (1) = 24.824, p< 0.005. The model explained 10.2% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in self-medication and correctly classified 80.4% of cases. Keywords: Alimosho, Attitude, Knowledge, Lagos State, NAFDAC, NSAID, Perception, Self-medication.

Primary headache in academics: a cross-sectional study

Headache is a frequent, long-standing and universal neurological disorder with high prevalence worldwide. ObjectiveTo verify the prevalence of headache and self-medication among healthcare academics. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study, carried out with 165 healthcare academics. A questionnaire was used as a methodological instrument to collect data. ResultsThe academics were mostly female, aged between 18 and 54 years, from the State of Paraiba and single. The lifetime prevalence of headaches was 98.2%. Most volunteers (62.4%) have a probable diagnosis of primary headache. Of these, the most prevalent was migraine, especially with aura, and tension-type headache (TTH). Of the group under analysis, the majority have not had consultations because of the pain and therefore have no medical diagnosis and no treatment. Some treated the pain only in a crisis. Of these, most practiced self-medication, mainly with dipyrone and paracetamol.Stress, worry and sleep deprivation were the most cited factors among those that usually cause pain. ConclusionClarifications, preventive measures, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the emotional, socioeconomic and academic losses of this frequent neurological complaint among students.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids: How do they work and what are the risks?

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a class of hormones that are widely abused for their muscle-building and strength-increasing properties in high, nontherapeutic, dosages. This review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview on how these hormones work and what side effects they might elicit. We discuss how AAS are absorbed into the circulation after intramuscular injection or oral ingestion and how they are subsequently transported to the tissues, where they will move into the extravascular compartment and diffuse into their target cells. Inside these cells, AAS can biotransform into different metabolites or bind to their cognate receptor: the androgen receptor. AAS and their metabolites can cause side effects such as acne vulgaris, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, dyslipidemia, testosterone deficiency, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, and cardiomyopathy. Where applicable, we mention treatment options and self-medication practices of AAS users to counteract these side effects. Clinicians may use this review as a guide for understanding how AAS use can impact health and to assist in patient education and, in some cases, the management of side effects.

The Relationship between Fear of COVID-19 and Self-Medication and the Rate of Antibiotic Use in Patients Referred to COVID-19.

The coronavirus pandemic can cause anxiety and stress among people, which can make them practice self-medication. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fear of corona and self-medication and antibiotics use. In a convenience sampling method, 250 people referring to COVID-19 centers including 16-hour comprehensive health services in Kermanshah, Iran, who tested positive and were not hospitalized were extracted from the SIB system. Data collection tools include three questionnaires including corona fear questionnaire, self-medication questionnaire, and self-medication by antibiotic questionnaire and an information form including demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25. The prevalence of self-medication was 59.6%. There was a significant correlation between self-medication and gender (P value <0.05) and education level (P value <0.05); the most common reason for self-medication was easy access to medicines through pharmacy drug stores. The mean score of fear of corona was higher in women and those who were not in a good financial position due to a lack of suitable economic status to see a doctor. There was a direct and significant relationship between self-medication and self-medication by antibiotics. 59.6% of the participants used medicines themselves, buying over-the-counter in pharmacies. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean score of corona fear in terms of not having a suitable economic status to see a doctor. This indicates that the lack of proper economic status among people with the coronavirus positive test to see a doctor increases the fear of the disease.

Prevalence, Self-Medication Practices, and Knowledge Levels on Analgesic Among Residents of Nalut, Libya: A Cross – Sectional Study

Self-medication (SM) has become an increasingly important symptom management option for common conditions today. Irrational SM practice leads to incorrect diagnosis and a risk factor for disease exacerbation and serious health consequences. Hence responsible SM is vital for better health outcomes. In the present community- based study, we explored the prevalence the SM practice among residents, frequency, outcome, distribution of different level of knowledge about Paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen analgesics. Cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 1218 participants depending on multi-stage random sampling technique. The sample was taken among the consumers of community facilities in Nalut- Libya. Data were analyzed using SPSS; Chi-square test was performed to indicate significance, frequency, percentage. A total of 1218 residents completed the survey, prevalence of SM practiced was 12.95%, The mean age of participants was 25±30, ranged from 18 to 41 and above years. Most of residents 834 (68.5%) were in undergraduate level, 725 (59.5%) were employing and 559 (45.9%) were in low income level and 170 (14%) had chronic diseases. There is no statistically significant deference between the level of knowledge to paracetamol, Aspirin and ibuprofen analgesics among participants and their age (X² =0.954, P= 0.812). Most the participants had poor knowledge toward paracetamol, Aspirin and ibuprofen analgesics.

Parental self-medication and associated factors in children: a cross-sectional study in Turkey

AbstractObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the parental self-medication (SM) practices in children and associated factors in Adana, Turkey.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out among the parents between December 2020 and April 2021. This study was conducted according to the ‘Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES)’ guidelines. A one-page survey included details about sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, profession, education of parents and others) sources of information, questions related to parental SM practices for their children (SM practices, common illnesses, drugs used as SM practices and drug-related information) and the reasons behind SM practices were disseminated via social media networks (Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook) to eligible participants. Online sample size calculator was used, and snow-ball sampling was employed during the study. The final automatic responses from Google Forms were retrieved as ‘Excel datasheet’ and then cleaned, coded and imported into the SPSS statistical tool (v.25.0).Key findingsThis study included a total of 370 participants (response rate of 95.4%). Parental SM practices were revealed to be more (n = 234; 63.5%) prevalent. The most frequent problems for parents who follow SM practices were fever (39.5%; n = 146) and abdominal pain (23.8%; n = 88). The most commonly used class of drugs was antipyretics followed by analgesics and antibiotics. The main reasons for SM practices were personal experience in treating children (n = 186; 50.3%) and high consultation charges (n = 72; 19.5%). Mother working status and parental educational level were two main factors found to be statistically associated with SM practices (P &amp;lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of parental SM practices was high. There is an urgent need for the parental educational program, the development of national policies about rational medicine usage and durable actions to discourage SM practices.

Self-Medication Practices from the Perspective of Tunisian Cardiovascular Patients – A Community Pharmacy-Based Survey

Tunisia, a developing country, is facing in recent years a growing burden of chronic diseases, mainly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Self-care is essential in the long-term management of these diseases, and the practice of self-medication is a key component of the self-care process. This study aimed to analyze self-medication practices among patients with cardiovascular comorbidities in a region of Tunisia. The study was conducted in two community pharmacies in the region of Beja, Tunisia, as an interview based on a questionnaire for patients who self-reported the presence of a CVDs or the use of drugs to treat such disease. Out of 160 cardiovascular patients enrolled, over 90% self-reported the practice of self-medication with drugs of various types (paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, codeine, etc.), for medical symptoms considered trivial (headache, fever, cough, toothache, urinary discomfort, etc.). Over 70% of patients invoked both the existence of a previous medical prescription / recommendation and saving time and money as justifying reasons for self-medication practices. The abovementioned medicines are self-reported to be used concomitantly with the chronic therapies used for CVDs, and respectively other associated comorbidities (dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, asthma, etc.). The high frequency of self-medication that has been highlighted is clear evidence that this practice is part of the daily health care routine of these patients. Thus, the therapist, doctor or pharmacist, has a very important role in the process of informing, advising and educating these patients with cardiovascular comorbidities in order to practice responsible self-medication.

Self-Medication Prevalence and Factors Associated with Knowledge and Attitude Towards Self-Medication Among Undergraduate Health Science Students at GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Reports indicate that health science students are among the frontline of self-medication practitioners. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the self-medication (SM) practice and associated factors with knowledge and attitude of undergraduate health science students at GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire from May to July, 2022. A stratified random sampling method was applied to collect the data. The collected data were checked, and exported into SPSS 26. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed to determine the results and the associated factors. Variables with p < 0.05 were regarded as significant. 301 students (31 medicine, 163 pharmacy, and 107 medical laboratory students) responded (99% response rate). 68.1% of the respondents had practiced SM at least once within the last six months. 58.8% had good knowledge, while 55.5% have a positive attitude towards SM. Headache (33.7%) and cough (29.8%) were the primary disease conditions for SM. Analgesics (37.1%) and antimicrobials (29.8%) are most frequently self-consumed agents. Being a medicine student (AOR = 3.872; 95% CI: (1.263-11.866); p = 0.018), not having health insurance (AOR = 2.431; 95% CI: (1.383-4.274); p = 0.002), and not having a known medical illness (AOR = 2.241; 95% CI: (1.226-4.127); p = 0.010) were independently associated with good knowledge. While, living in an urban area was significantly associated with a positive attitude (AOR = 3.593; 95% CI: (1.404-9.197); p = 0.004). The SM rate in GAMBY is significantly higher. Besides, not more than half the students had acceptable knowledge and attitude towards SM. The college and the surrounding regulatory authorities should consider ways of controlling and recapitalizing SM practices by the students.

Trends Toward Self-Medication Practices During Covid-19 In Gujranwala District

In Gujranwala, self-medication is a prevalent practice since it offers a low-cost alternative for individuals, and it entails the incorrect and irresponsible use of medications to cure self-recognized symptoms. It is also noteworthy that SM has both positive and negative aspects that affect the life of people. Objectives: To determine the occurrence, pattern, and sources of self-medication among respondents with all socioeconomic statuses and educational levels. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey on 535 residents of the targeted region was undertaken from June to November 2021 in Gujranwala district. We analyze our data by using SPSS and find mean values of our different variables and also find the frequencies and percentages the variables for achievement of our desired results. Results: As COVID-19 preventive, 44 (8.7%) respondents self-medicated with penicillin, and only 4 (0.8%) with paracetamol. When COVID-19 symptoms appeared, the pattern shifted, with azithromycin having the highest rate of self-medication of 49 (9.75%) of all drugs. When people were diagnosed with COVID-19, 12.5% used azithromycin, and 10.3% used penicillin. Conclusions: This study found a significantly high level of SM among men in Gujranwala district. Analgesics, particularly paracetamol and Ibuprofen, were the most often utilized medications for SM.

Self-medication in Primary Dysmenorrhea among Undergraduate Students in a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation in women with normal pelvic anatomy, usually beginning during adolescence, primarily associated with a normal ovulatory cycle. There is an increased likelihood of self-medication among medical students. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of self-medication in primary dysmenorrhea among undergraduate students in a medical college. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college among undergraduate female students with primary dysmenorrhea from 1 February 2022 to 31 May 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of the same institute (Reference number: 254/2021). Convenience sampling was done. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Among 213 students with primary dysmenorrhea, self-medication was found to be in 78 (36.62%) (30.15-43.09, 95% Confidence Interval)). Among all the self-medications used, mefenamic acid was most common, used by 45 (57.69%) students, followed by paracetamol 11 (14.10%). The prevalence of self-medication practice in primary dysmenorrhea among undergraduate students was lower when compared to similar studies done in similar settings. dysmenorrhea; menstruation; prevalence; self medication.

Perception towards Self-Medication Practice among Community Care Setting

Perception towards Self-Medication Practice among Community Care Setting

Self-medication practices among adults of north Karnataka

Background: Self-medication is on rise landing up in drug resistance. This study assessed the knowledge, practice and attitude of self-medication among both urban and rural adults of north Karnataka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2020 to November 2020. A total of 200 adults were selected considering 100 each from urban and rural areas by convenient sampling technique. Random houses were visited and individuals meeting the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were interviewed after taking informed consent. All health care professionals were excluded from the study. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of demographic information and questions related to knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication was used to collect the data.Results: Our study found that 37% and 70% of participants from rural and urban Dharwad respectively practiced self-medication. Majority of those who self-medicate were educated in both rural and urban areas. 5.5% and 11.5% of rural and urban residents respectively self-medicated with antibiotics. A significant proportion of those who self-medicated from both study areas were in managerial and above positions (21.6% from rural and 25.7% from urban Dharwad). Majority of them used painkillers for self-medication.Conclusions: The prevalence of self-medication was high among urban residents compared to rural area. A significant association was found between self-medication practices and education, occupation and socio-economic status. Thus, knowledge must be increased among people regarding the dangers of self-medication and issues addressed to avoid it from happening by passing laws that avoid easy sale and availability of medicines.

Use of Medicinal Plants during Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum in Southern Morocco.

Southern Morocco, particularly the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, is rich in a wide diversity of plant species. Pregnant women in this region use medicinal plants during pregnancy and childbirth for various purposes; however, the use of these plants has never been documented. The objectives of this study are threefold: to estimate the prevalence of medicinal plant uses by pregnant women in the province of Guelmim, Morocco, to describe the traditional practices of self-medication and to determine the associated factors. This is a multicenter cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical approaches. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire, which was administered to pregnant women at health care centers and hospitals in the province of Guelmim. A total of 560 women participated in this study. The prevalence of medicinal plant use was 66.96%. Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Thymus maroccanus Ball., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Aloysia citriodora Palau, Lepidium sativum L. and Cuminum cyminum L. were the plants with the highest UV. Pain, the induction and facilitation of childbirth, flu syndrome and anemia were the most listed reasons for use. The use of medicinal plants was significantly associated with the level of education (chi-square = 15.651; p = 0.004), and pregnancy monitoring (chi-square = 5.283; p = 0.028). In the province of Guelmim, the prevalence of the use of medicinal plants by women during pregnancy and childbirth is high. Further research is necessary in order to explore potential associated risks and complications.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Self-Medication Patterns during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ecuador.

Background and Objectives: Drug consumption is a widely developed practice around the world. However, sometimes medicines are acquired with or without prescription, a practice termed self-medication, which can have negative impacts on the health of the population. It has been observed that with the arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, self-medicated drug consumption figures increased in several countries. To describe the patterns of medication, use and the prevalence of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in inhabitants of the capital province of Pichincha, Ecuador. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted based on a self-administered online questionnaire from April to June 2022, among residents of the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. Participants were invited through social networks (WhatsApp and Facebook). A total of 401 surveys were included in this study. Consumption patterns (prescription of and treatment with) of medicines during the pandemic were evaluated, as well as the prevalence of self-medication and variables that characterize the way of acquiring medicines. The Chi-square test was used to look for relationships between consumption patterns, self-medication, and the characteristics of the participants. Results: Most participants were female (53.4%), and 59.4% reported having had COVID-19. A total of 244 (60.9%) consumed medications during the pandemic, mostly for the purpose of treating the infection. About half (48.4%) self-medicated. The most used medications were paracetamol (87.3%) and ibuprofen (47.5%). Drugs consumption as a treatment and informal sources of information (TV, social networks, advice) were associated with the practice of self-medication (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: A significant percentage of over-the-counter (OTC) and legal drug use was found to persist after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight the effects that alternative forms of information sources other than medical personnel can have on drug consumption and self-medication practices.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of headache among medical students of Nepal: A cross-sectional study.

Headache is a common neurological disorder, with a global prevalence of around 50%. It may affect people of any age, gender, education, socioeconomic status and occupation. Tension headache, migraine headache and cluster headache are commonly encountered headache types. The prevalence of headache problems is higher among medical students. This could potentially affect their academic performance and quality of life. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of headaches and their clinical characteristics among students of a medical college. An online, single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Nepal. Stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was adopted depending upon the academic years of students. For data collection, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used. The data entry and analysis were done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS), version-23. The prevalence of headache and its subtypes were calculated. All the clinical characteristics associated with headaches were also studied. The prevalence of headache disorder was 65 (26.86%), with tension headache (69.23%) being the commonest one. It was highest among fourth-year students (37.84%) followed by first-year students (33.33%). Anxiety/stress (75.40%) was the most common precipitating factor. This problem stopped most of the students (63.09%) from doing daily activities. More than half of them (53.85%) practised self-medication in case of non-resolution of pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were frequently used. Headache was fairly prevalent among medical students. Anxiety/stress in medical life has led to headaches in the majority of students. The headache disturbed their daily activities and promoted self-medication practice. So, this problem should be properly looked into and addressed in time by the concerned authority.