Self-Medication Among Medical and Non-Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Superior University

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a prevalent behavior among university students, often driven by accessibility, time constraints, and perceived knowledge. While it can offer quick relief, it also carries significant risks, especially when practiced without adequate awareness.

Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare self-medication practices, perceptions, motivations, and associated factors among medical and non-medical students at Superior University.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 699 students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between variables.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.38 ± 2.45 years. Females comprised 61.9% of the participants, and 66.7% were from medical backgrounds. Overall, 64.9% reported self-medicating in the past six months. Headache (58.3%) and pain (15.3%) were the most commonly self-treated conditions, with analgesics (50.8%) and antibiotics (25.8%) as the primary drugs used. Pharmacies (81.3%) were the most common source of medications. Medical students demonstrated significantly higher familiarity with the term self-medication (p < 0.001), greater awareness of risks (p < 0.001), and a stronger belief in its safety (p = 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in overall self-medication prevalence between medical and non-medical students (p = 0.117).

Conclusion: Self-medication is widespread among university students, with medical students showing more knowledge yet equal participation in the practice compared to their non-medical peers. Educational interventions promoting rational drug use and awareness of associated risks are strongly recommended.

Keywords: self-medication, medical students, non-medical students, cross-sectional study, drug safety, student health, Pakistan