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Abstract

Introduction

Self-medication (SM) is a practice wherein an individual consumes medicines without consulting a physician. This growing practice can lead to serious consequences, such as adverse drug reactions or treatment failure. Evidence suggests that SM is particularly common among young adults.

Objective

To assess the patterns and knowledge of SM among undergraduate health sciences students.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted on 571 undergraduate health sciences students from January to March 2023. Data on SM practices and associated factors were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A convenient sampling method was employed to recruit the students. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software.

Results

Self-medication was reported by 83.5% of participants. Knowledge of SM was satisfactory in 56% and unsatisfactory in 44%. Practice scores were unsatisfactory in 70% and satisfactory in 30%. Pharmacies (61.1%) and the Internet (53.5%) were the main information sources. Significant correlations were found between SM and chronic disease (χ² = 10.846, p = .0009) and lack of medical insurance (χ² = 84.175, p = .0001). Painkillers and antipyretics were the most commonly used SM drugs with 51.7% and 45.4%, respectively. Chronic diseases were reported by 8% of participants, of which 27.1%, 18.8%, 22.9%, and 31.2%, reported glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hypothyroidism, asthma, and anemia, respectively.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of the respondents practice SM. Although knowledge of SM was satisfactory, it is recommended to be aware risks of SM among students and enforce stricter supervision on the sale of over-the-counter drugs.

Keywords

health sciences students medication awareness non-prescription medications over-the-counter self-medication

Introduction

Self-medication (SM) is a practice where an individual takes medications without the advice or prescription of a physician. This phenomenon has been on the rise globally and is particularly prevalent among young adults including university students. SM can have serious consequences, such as adverse drug reactions, increased resistance to antibiotics, and the risk of misdiagnosing oneself, which may lead to inappropriate treatment and exacerbation of underlying conditions (Hamza, 2019). Medical students feel confident in their ability to self-diagnose and treatment regimen, hence SM practice is more prevalent among these students as suggested by the literature (Hiremath et al., 2021; Khatony et al., 2020). Despite this confidence, the knowledge base and decision-making processes of these students may still be insufficient to alleviate the risks associated with SM.

Review of Literature

Although many studies have been conducted on the prevalence of SM, comprehensive information on its global prevalence across all medications and health conditions remains limited (Daanish & Mushkani, 2022). SM is commonly used to address conditions, such as headache, common cold, fever, cough, and respiratory tract infections. Explanations for SM practices include previous experience with the illness, mildness of the disease, time constraints preventing professional consultation, and cost-effectiveness (Zeru et al., 2020). SM practice is influenced by sociodemographic factors such as gender, age, income, level of education, residence, religion, study year, field of study, and marital status (Behzadifar et al., 2020; Janatolmakan et al., 2022). Patients often obtain SM drugs from pharmacies, unused home medications, friends, and relatives, with these sources significantly contribute to SM prevalence. Information sources like healthcare professionals, pharmacists, reading materials, and social circles also influence SM practice; Helal & Abou-ElWafa, 2017; Zeru et al., 2020).

Study design, participants’ age, gender differences, and drug classifications (OTC or prescription) vary between countries, influencing SM prevalence among university students (Behzadifar et al., 2020; Orayj et al., 2021). In Saudi Arabia, studies have been conducted among medical and nursing students at various universities, but few have comprehensively addressed SM among health sciences students (Alshahrani et al., 2019; Essa et al., 2018; Faqihi & Sayed, 2020; Shatla et al., 2022). This stresses the need for understanding the practices of SM. Hence, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and knowledge of SM among undergraduate health sciences students. No such studies have focussed on health sciences students at the area of the authors. So, the objective of this study is to assess SM patterns and knowledge among undergraduate health sciences students.

Methods

Study Design and Setting

The cross-sectional study was conducted in the College of Applied Medical Sciences from January to March 2023. The college comprises four departments. Nursing, Public Health, Clinical Nutrition, and Health Informatics.

Study Sample

A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants from all four departments. The sample size of the study was calculated using Raosoft® Sample Size Calculator (Sample Size Calculator; Raosoft inc.) :

\begin{aligned} x = & Z (c / 100) 2 r (100 – r) \\ n = & N x / ((N – 1) E 2 + x) \\ E = & Sqrt [(N – n) x / n (N – 1)] \end{aligned}

where Z(c/100) is the critical value of the confidence level c, N is the population size, E is the margin of error, r is a fraction of responses, and n is the sample size. Assuming 5% margin of error and non-response rate at 95% confidence interval (CI), the study sample size was estimated 571.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The study included undergraduate students who were enrolled in health sciences programs; who provided informed consent and were proficient in English and Arabic. It excluded students who did not provide or withdrew consent or those who submitted incomplete or inconsistent responses. The students who were on long-term prescription medications for chronic conditions were not considered in the study.

Data Collection Instrument and Procedure

After reviewing the relevant literature (Bhattarai & Karki, 2020; Esan et al., 2018; Subashini & Udayanga, 2020), a self-administered questionnaire was developed in English on SM practices as the data collection instrument. The English version of the questionnaire was also translated into Arabic by a language expert. Respondents were given the option to choose between the English and Arabic versions based on their comfort level of understanding between English and Arabic. The data were collected by sending the questionnaire to the targeted respondents through social media channels like WhatsApp, X (Twitter), Telegram, email, or through student representatives. Additionally, students were approached at the end of their scheduled classes for data collection.

At the end of the response, the Arabic version was translated back to English to maintain constancy. The questionnaire comprised four sections : (1) sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, marital status, gender, academic year, field of study); (2) 11 items on students’ knowledge of SM (e.g., safe usage, harmful consequences, side effects, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]); (3) nine items on SM practices (e.g., reading medication leaflet before self-medicating, following the dosage directions, the last time the participant self-medicated, who determined the SM dose, and side effects from SM); and (4) 28 items on other factors associated with SM. The latter addressed sources of SM information (seven items), sources for purchasing SM drugs (five items), types of medications used for SM (eight items), and reasons for self-medicating (eight items). The associated factors section included yes/no or multiple-choice questions.

For the first three sections, participants were scored on a 5-point Likert scale; positive items were scored at strongly agree = 5 points, agree = 4 points, neutral = 3 points, disagree = 2 points, and strongly disagree = 1 point, with reverse scoring for negative items. An overall score of 55, with a cutoff value of 33 (≥60.0%), was considered satisfactory, while scores below 60.0% were unsatisfactory.

Validity and Reliability

The questionnaire underwent testing in a pilot study involving 5% (n = 29) of study prospective participants, who were subsequently excluded from the final sample. To evaluate its clarity and applicability, Cronbach's α coefficient was employed to assess the questionnaire's reliability across its sections. Additionally, content validity was verified by six experts representing various fields: two professors each from Clinical Pharmacy, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Nursing Administration. Their feedback informed modifications to the questionnaire. Results indicated Cronbach's α coefficients of .752 for knowledge, .891 for practice, and .752 for associated factors, demonstrating satisfactory internal consistency. Furthermore, the content validity/Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) index values for these respective sections were .912, .889, and .765, affirming the questionnaire's reliability and suitability for achieving the study objectives.

Data Analysis and Management

The data were collected and anonymized to maintain the data confidentiality. Each data set was entered into Microsoft Excel 2021 version (Microsoft, Inc., USA) for further analysis. The data analysis was conducted in collaboration with a statistician using SPSS software version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics was carried out to present the data in percentages and frequencies. Pearson's correlation coefficient and the chi-square test were employed to ascertain associations between sociodemographic characteristics and SM usage. The strength of the associations was denoted by the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI. Regression analysis was carried out to find association between demographic variables and SM practice. A significance level of p ≤ .05 was considered statistical significance. The data were presented as M ± SD, wherever applicable.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical approval was taken from the research ethics committee at local university. The confidentiality of the study participants was maintained throughout the study. All the participants were briefed about the study objectives and a written informed consent was obtained from all the respondents.

Results

Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Study Participants

Seventy-five percent of the respondents were identified as female. The average age of participants was 21.8 years. The distribution of participants by academic year was as follows: 94 were in their first year, 156 in their second year, 244 in their third year, and 77 in their fourth year (Table 1). Regarding academic majors or specialties, 34.2% were in Nursing, 22.9% in Public Health, 22.2% in Clinical Nutrition, and 20.7% in Health Informatics. The majority of participants reported being single (84.1%) and residing in urban areas (69.4%). The mean monthly family income was 9093 Saudi Riyal. Eight percent of respondents reported having chronic diseases, with the most common being glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hypothyroidism, asthma, and anemia (27.1%, 18.8%, 22.9%, and 31.2%, respectively) (Table 1).

Table 1.

Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Study Participants (n = 571).

Sociodemographic characteristics	N	%
Age	M ± SD
Age	21.8 ± 1.0
Gender
Male	143	25.0
Female	428	75.0
Academic year
First	94	16.5
Second	156	27.3
Third	244	42.7
Fourth	77	13.5
Major specialty
Nursing	195	34.2
Public health	131	22.9
Clinical nutrition	127	22.2
Health informatics	118	20.7
Marital status
Single	480	84.1
Married	91	15.9
Residence
Rural	175	30.6
Urban	396	69.4
Family monthly income (SAR)	M ± SD
Family monthly income (SAR)	9093 ± 3627
Have a chronic disease
Yes	48	8.4
No	523	91.6
Types of chronic disease
Iron deficiency anemia	13	27.1
Sickle cell anemia	9	18.8
Diabetes mellitus	11	22.9
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hypothyroidism, bronchial asthma	15	31.2
Total	48	100.0

Use of Self-Medication Drugs Among the Study Participants

Approximately 83.5% of study participants reported engaging in SM (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Use of self-medication drugs among the study participants (n = 571).

Self-Medication Knowledge Scores Among Participants

The majority of respondents (56%) possessed satisfactory knowledge about SM, while 44% had unsatisfactory knowledge (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Total self-medication knowledge scores among participants (n = 571).

SM Practices Among Participants

However, 70% reported unsatisfactory SM practice scores, and only 30% reported satisfactory practice scores (Figure 3).

Figure 3.

SM practices among participants (n = 571).

Knowledge Score and Frequency Distribution About Self-Medication Practice Among Respondents

The analysis of respondent's attitudes and knowledge toward SM practices revealed that a significant proportion expressed awareness of potential risks associated with OTC medication, with 67.45% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that overusing OTC drugs is safe (Table 2). About 60.61% agreed or strongly agreed that using OTC drugs can hide the real disease behind the symptoms. Despite acknowledging the affordability and availability of OTC drugs in Saudi Arabia, with 57.79% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that all people use them for this reason, respondents did not universally endorse their use based on these factors. Furthermore, while 52.5% agreed or strongly agreed that they follow dosage directions correctly, 52.25% also agreed or strongly agreed that they use OTC drugs during stress times, suggesting potential misuse (Table 2).

Table 2.

Knowledge Score and Frequency Distribution About Self-Medication Practice Among Respondents (n = 571).

Knowledge questions	Strongly agree	Agree	Disagree	Strongly disagree	Neutral
Knowledge questions	n (%)
Use of OTC medication to improve memory and attention has no harmful consequences for the human body	22 (3.85)	58 (10.16)	151 (26.44)	161 (28.20)	179 (31.35)
Long-term use of OTC drugs can cause severe side effects	141 (24.69)	142 (24.87)	67 (11.73)	85 (14.89)	136 (23.82)
I know that the drug I bought from the pharmacy needs a prescription from the physician	104 (18.21)	101 (17.69)	93 (16.28)	77 (13.49)	196 (34.33)
Overusing of OTC drugs is safe	25 (4.38)	41 (7.18)	120 (21.01)	254 (44.50)	131 (22.94)
NSAID drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) may cause harm to your kidneys if they are misused. Also, NSAID drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) may cause stomach ulcers	111 (19.44)	142 (24.87)	59 (10.33)	86 (15.06)	173 (30.30)
OTC drugs are cheap and readily available in Saudi Arabia that is why all people use them	79 (13.83)	134 (23.47)	86 (15.06)	76 (13.31)	196 (34.32)
Advertising is the leading cause that people use OTC	58 (10.15)	110 (19.26)	95 (16.64)	86 (15.06)	222 (38.88)
Common symptoms (e.g., headache) can be successfully treated by self-medication drugs	114 (19.96)	152 (26.61)	66 (11.55)	82 (14.36)	157 (27.51)
Using OTC drugs can hide the real disease behind the symptoms	76 (13.31)	149 (26.10)	84 (14.70)	65 (11.38)	197 (34.51)
I read medication leaflet before using any medication	117 (20.49)	120 (20.98)	76 (13.31)	86 (15.06)	172 (30.15)
I follow the dosage directions correctly	155 (27.12)	128 (22.38)	81 (14.16)	63 (11.08)	144 (25.32)
I use OTC drugs because the disease is not dangerous	83 (14.53)	126 (22.06)	91 (15.94)	83 (14.53)	188 (32.93)
I use OTC drugs because they are more convenient and easier to use	66 (11.53)	153 (26.75)	91 (15.92)	78 (13.63)	183 (32.16)
I use OTC drugs during stress time (e.g., examination period) to treat the headache	76 (13.31)	132 (23.09)	93 (16.28)	105 (18.37)	165 (28.94)
I use OTC drugs because the cost of physician visit is too high	38 (6.65)	69 (12.06)	145 (25.35)	136 (23.77)	183 (32.16)
I use OTC drugs because registering an appointment take too much time	80 (13.99)	110 (19.25)	113 (19.77)	96 (16.79)	172 (30.19)
SM knowledge base cut of score
≥60% good knowledge <60% poor knowledge	319 (56%) 252 (44%)

Note. OTC, over the counter.

χ² = 2.787; p = .097.

Associated Factors That Influence the Practice of Self-Medication Among the Study Participants

Pharmacies and the internet were the most common sources of SM information, cited by 61.1% and 53.5% of respondents, respectively (Table 3). These were followed by social media (32.6%) and previous prescriptions from doctors (32.5%). The least common source was textbooks, reported by only 6.5% of respondents. Regarding the sources of SM drugs, 77.6% of respondents obtained these from pharmacies or leftover medications from previous prescriptions (Table 3). Painkillers and antipyretics were the most commonly used SM drugs (51.7% and 45.4%, respectively), followed by eye drops (43.1%) and drugs for cough/runny nose (35.2%). Participants cited various reasons for self-medicating: relief of minor illness (45.2%), seeking quick relief (44.1%), having previous experience with a particular illness and self-treating with SM (35.4%), avoiding long waits at clinics (26.3%), urgency of illness (22.8%), a desire to enhance academic performance (19.6%), high cost of medical consultations (13.0%), and avoiding embarrassment (10.9%) (Table 3).

Table 3.

Associated Factors That Influence the Practice of Self-Medication Among the Study Participants (n = 477).

Statement	N	%
# Usual sources of obtaining information for self-medication
Pharmacist	348	61.1
Internet	305	53.5
Social media	186	32.6
Previous doctor prescription	185	32.5
Friend/ relatives	180	31.6
Textbook	98	17.2
# Preferred source to purchase self-medication
Pharmacies and left over from previous prescription	370	77.6
Family members/friends	90	18.8
Internet websites	17	3.6
# Types of drugs used for self-medication
Pain killers	295	51.7
Antipyretics	259	45.4
Eye drops	246	43.1
Drugs for cough/runny nose	201	35.2
Vitamins	196	34.3
Others (laxatives, antiallergic, and inhalers)	40	8.4
# Reasons for using self-medication drugs
To relieve minor illness	258	45.2
Seeking a quick relief	252	44.1
Having previous Experience	202	35.4
Avoidance of long waiting at clinics	150	26.3
The urgency of the problem	130	22.8
Desire to increase performance in college	112	19.6
High cost of medical consultation	74	13.0
Avoidance of the embarrassment	62	10.9

Note. The symbol # indicates the numbers do not add to 100% as participants might have more than one answer.

Bivariate Analysis of Sociodemographic Characteristics of Study Participants and Self-Medication

Following regression analysis, this study found no statistically significant correlations between SM and gender (χ² = 0.410, p = .522), academic year (χ² = 2.099, p = .552), specialty (χ² = 3.670, p = .299), marital status (χ² = 2.358, p = .125), residence (χ² = 0.869, p = .351), or income (χ² = 2.974, p = .226) (Table 4). In contrast, the study results indicated highly significant correlations between SM and chronic disease (χ² = 10.846, p = .0009) as well as the absence of medical insurance (χ² = 84.175, p = .0001) (Table 4).

Table 4.

Bivariate Analysis of Sociodemographic Characteristics of Study Participants and Self-Medication.

Sociodemographic characteristics		Non-use self-medication (n = 94)		Use self-medication (n = 477)		χ²	OR	95% Confidence interval	p
Sociodemographic characteristics	N	N	%	N	%	χ²	OR	Lower–upper	p
Gender
Male	143	26	18.2	117	81.8	0.410	0.850	[0.517–1.398]	.522
Female	428	68	15.9	360	84.1	0.410	0.850	[0.517–1.398]	.522
Total	571	94	16.5	477	83.5
Academic year
First	94	12	12.8	82	87.2	2.099			.552
Second	156	27	17.3	129	82.7
Third	244	39	16.0	205	84.0
Fourth	77	16	20.8	61	79.2
Total	571	94	16.5	477	83.5
Major specialty
Nursing	195	30	15.4	165	84.6	3.670			.299
Public health	131	28	21.4	103	78.6
Clinical nutrition	127	21	16.5	106	83.5
Health informatics	118	15	12.7	103	87.3
Total	571	94	16.5	477	83.5
Marital status
Single	480	84	17.5	396	82.5	2.358	1.718	[0.855–3.453]	.125
Married	91	10	11.0	81	89.0	2.358	1.718	[0.855–3.453]	.125
Total	571
Residence
Rural	175	25	14.3	150	85.7	0.869	1.266	[0.770–2.080]	.351
Urban	396	69	17.4	327	82.6	0.869	1.266	[0.770–2.080]	.351
Total	571	94	16.5	477	83.5
Family income
Less than 5,000 Saudi Riyal (SAR)	88	13	14.8	75	85.2	2.974			.226
5,000–10,000 SAR	213	29	13.6	184	86.4
More than 10,000 SAR	270	52	19.3	218	80.7
Total	571	94	16.5	477	83.5
Having a chronic disease
Yes	48	16	33.3	32	66.7	10.846	0.984	(0.445–2.176]	.0009**
No	523	78	14.9	445	85.1	10.846	0.984	(0.445–2.176]	.0009**
Total	571	94	16.5	477	83.5
Having medical insurance
Yes	199	72	36.2	127	63.8	84.175	1.317	[0.815–2.129]	.0001**
No	372	22	5.9	350	94.1	84.175	1.317	[0.815–2.129]	.0001**
Total	571	94	16.5	477	83.5

Note: **, statistically significant at p ≤0.01

Discussion

The integration of SM into many healthcare systems worldwide offers social and economic benefits but also poses several risks (Daanish & Mushkani, 2022; Olorunfemi et al., 2020). The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of SM among undergraduate health sciences students at the College of Applied Medical Sciences and to gather and analyze data on their SM practices. The study findings revealed an SM prevalence of 83%, consistent with similar studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (80%), Iran (81%), and Pakistan (81.28%). This rate was higher than the King Saud University (50.9%) and Jazan University (43%), but lower than King Khalid University (98.7%) and Brazil (97.9%) (Alshahrani et al., 2019; Colares et al., 2019; Faqihi & Sayed, 2020).

Health sciences students often self-medicate due to the availability of OTC drugs and the accessibility of community pharmacies (Orayj et al., 2021). Painkillers, antipyretics, and eye drops were the most frequently used SM drugs, mainly for treating fever, chills, headache, common cold, throat inflammation, and gastric pain. These findings align with previous research indicating that headaches and fever are common reasons for SM (Aashi et al., 2016; Colares et al., 2019). Other reasons include allergies, digestive disturbances, and sleep problems (Aashi et al., 2016).

Health sciences students generally had satisfactory knowledge of SM, with studies from Pakistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia (Essa et al., 2018; Ramadan, 2022) confirming this. Their education includes drug-related courses that enhance their understanding of drug consumption, although personal attitudes toward symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment also play a role (Bekele et al., 2020).

Participants primarily self-medicated to relieve minor illnesses, seek quick relief, and due to prior experience with specific illnesses and treatments. This is similar to findings from studies by Misau et al. (2020), Helal and Abou-ElWafa (2017). Medical students at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah also cited avoiding doctor visits for minor illnesses and using knowledge from previous experience (Shatla et al., 2022).

Despite their knowledge, respondents reported unsatisfactory SM practices, possibly due to pharmacies not adhering to regulations and the lax enforcement of restrictions (Alshahrani et al., 2019). This situation is common in many Arab and developing countries and may influence SM practices (Bekele et al., 2020; Mkola et al., 2022). Bhattarai and Karki (2020) noted that medical students’ perceived expertise could lead to poor practices with serious consequences, possibly due to their belief in their ability to self-diagnose and self-treat (Colares et al., 2019). Most participants had not experienced side effects from SM, consistent with Karimy et al. (2019), who reported that responsible SM can offer benefits like shorter waiting times and cost savings. However, these findings differ from a Saudi study reporting side effects such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, runny nose, itchy skin, and diarrhea (Mirdad et al., 2023).

Common sources of SM information included pharmacies, the internet, social media, and previous prescriptions. A study among Saudi undergraduate medical students found friends and relatives to be common sources, followed by physicians, pharmacists, parents, and the internet (Shatla et al., 2022). Similar findings were reported among Indian medical students (Mathewos et al., 2021). Access to information via the internet helps users understand disease symptoms and treatments, supporting findings by Karimy et al. (2019). Previous prescriptions also facilitate SM due to their availability and accessibility (Alshogran et al., 2018). Today's youth, exposed to pharmaceutical advertising online and through other media, may benefit from visiting medical websites and viewing educational advertisements (Alshogran et al., 2018; Alyahya et al., 2017; Naqvi et al., 2018).

There was a significant correlation between SM and having a chronic disease, consistent with Subashini and Udayanga (2020) who noted that chronic conditions are often associated with SM. Health personnel may self-medicate due to easy access to drugs and a positive view of SM, but risky practices can lead to prolonged illness, adverse reactions, and antimicrobial resistance.

No significant difference was found between gender and SM, potentially due to similar knowledge levels among educated participants. This contrasts with findings by Shawi et al. (2018), who reported higher SM rates among male students. Other studies have shown that men self-medicate more than women in South Karnakata, India, and Saudi Arabia (Mathewos et al., 2021). Misau et al. (2020) suggested that higher SM rates among females might be due to their greater vulnerability to stress and anxiety. Zeru et al. (2020) identified gender, income, year of study, and field of study as significant factors affecting SM. Socioeconomic status did not significantly impact SM usage, contrary to findings by Mathewos et al. (2021) and Behzadifar et al. (2020), which indicated higher SM prevalence in high-income countries. SM might be an option for individuals with lower Socioeconomic status who cannot afford medical care, given the increased accessibility of drugs today, which poses health risks if not managed properly. Most students reported knowing the risks of using non-prescription medications (NPMs) but continued to use them, possibly due to experimentation with drugs relevant to their future professions and the ease of access during training at health centers (Behzadifar et al., 2020).

Strengths and Limitations

Each study has its own strengths and limitations. This study has several limitations, such as the reliance on self-reported data for assessing self-medication practices, which may introduce bias. Without longitudinal data, it is difficult to assess changes in self-medication practices over time or the long-term impact of these practices on health outcomes. Participants might have provided responses they perceived as more socially acceptable or expected, leading to potential bias. The cross-sectional nature of the study limits the ability to establish causality between sociodemographic factors and self-medication practices. Additionally, although the electronic survey tool was online and anonymous, it still had some disadvantages, such as bias in reporting the types of drugs used for self-medication.

This study offers several unique strengths that enhance its contribution to understanding self-medication (SM) practices among health sciences students. Unlike other studies that provide a general overview, the current study includes a comprehensive demographic breakdown, which is often missing in similar studies that typically focus on SM rates and types of medications used. Additionally, this study uniquely identifies the prevalence of specific chronic conditions among participants, shedding light on the particular health challenges they face and their impact on SM practices. This study also provides a more refined breakdown of information sources, including social media and previous prescriptions from doctors, offering a broader perspective. Furthermore, this study assesses both knowledge and practices regarding SM, differentiating between satisfactory and unsatisfactory levels, an approach rarely seen in other studies. Finally, the current study details specific medications used and reasons for SM, adding depth to the understanding of SM practices compared to other studies.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Nursing practice can be significantly affected by self-medication. Here are some key points.

Patient safety: Nurses are responsible for educating patients on safe medication practices and recognizing the risks of self-medication, including adverse drug reactions, interactions, and incorrect dosing.

Assessment and monitoring: Regular monitoring by nurses can assist in identifying potential issues early by assessing patients’ medication use habits, which includes over the counter and herbal supplements.

Communication: To avoid drug interactions and make informed care decisions, nurses must encourage open dialogue about all the substances a patient is taking.

Consideration of legal and ethical issues: It is important for nurses to be aware of the legal and ethical consequences of self-medication, which involve ensuring that patients follow prescribed treatments and comprehend the risks of not doing so.

Conclusions

This study provides detailed understandings of SM practices among undergraduate health sciences students at the College of Applied Medical Sciences. With a high prevalence of 83%, the findings reveal a mixed understanding of SM behaviors. The practice was influenced by easy access to pharmacies and over-the-counter medications. The correlation between chronic diseases and SM, along with the lack of significant differences based on sociodemographic factors, underscores the complexity of SM behaviors. Although this study is limited by self-reported data, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of SM practices, promoting for greater regulatory measures and educational programs for safer SM practices among future healthcare professionals. Based on the study findings, the researchers recommend establishing behavioral programs to control irresponsible SM practices among students, developing policies and legislation to regulate the purchase of drugs from community pharmacies without a prescription, particularly those deemed safe for use by the general population, and conducting further studies to estimate the prevalence of SM among health sciences students in other cities and to investigate the various factors influencing its use in this population, including awareness and an understanding of its benefits and drawbacks.

Supplemental Material

sj-docx-1-son-10.1177_23779608251330865 - Supplemental material for Self-medication Patterns and Knowledge Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-son-10.1177_23779608251330865 for Self-medication Patterns and Knowledge Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study by Abeer Mohamed Abdelkader, Ghadeer Taher Alhassan and Wejdan Bader Albukhaytan, Esraa Ahmed Alnoubi, Wadha Nasser AlRasheedi, Eman Ali Alomran in SAGE Open Nursing

Footnotes

ORCID iDs

Abeer Mohamed Abdelkader

Ghadeer Taher Alhassan

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical approval was obtained from the research ethics committee at KFU (Reference number: KFU-REC-2023-JAN-ETHICS477). The confidentiality of the study participants was maintained throughout the study. All the participants were briefed about the study objectives, and written informed consent was obtained from all the respondents.

Author Contributions/CRediT

Conceptualization: AMA, WNA, and GTA. Formal analysis: AMA, WNA, and GTA. Investigation: EAA, EAA, and WBA. Methodology: EAA, EAA, and WBA. Data curation: GTA, EAA, EAA, and WBA. Funding acquisition: AMA, EAA, and EAA. Supervision: WNA, GTA, and WBA. Writing—original draft preparation: AMA, WNA, EAA, and EAA. Writing—review and editing: AMA, GTA, and WBA. Each author has reviewed and accepted the published version of the article.

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia [Grant No. A485].

Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Data Availability

Data of this study are available from the first author upon request.

Supplemental Material

Supplemental material for this article is available online.

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Supplementary Material

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