Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Self Medication among Medical Students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Publish Year: 1399
نوع سند: مقاله ژورنالی
زبان: English
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JR_PSQ-8-4_002

تاریخ نمایه سازی: 17 فروردین 1400

Abstract:

Introduction: Self-medication is a double-edged sword the proper application of which is appreciated by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines since it can reduce the unnecessary pressure on the health care system. However, self-medication can lead to severe consequences if utilized inappropriately. Furthermore, self-medication practice is an important social health issue in medical students as educated people and would-be physicians. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication in medical students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 296 medical students at distinct levels of education. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 26). Results: Based on the findings, more than 80% of the students were aware of the complications, drug interactions, and importance of accurate use; however, only 9.1% and 27% of the participants were aware of the side-effects of herbal medicine and dietary supplements, respectively. Out of the total 296 participants, 83.5% of the cases declared that they did care about the side effects of medicines, and 81.3% of the students believed that a medical degree was essential for medicine prescription. In a confrontation with minor ailments, 21.9% of the cases practiced self-medication, and the majority (57.4%) of the used medicines were painkillers. The main reasons for self-medication was the underestimation of the disease (57.8%). Moreover, positive attitudes toward the safety of self-medication (P=0.04) and knowledge about medicine (p <0.001) were the major reasons for the self-medication practice in senior students, compared to juniors. However, no significant difference was found between seniors and juniors in terms of self-medication practice (P=0.85). Conclusion: Regarding the adverse effects of self-medication, drug dependency, microbial resistance, and high prevalence of self-medication among participants, it is suggested to provide educational programs on the adverse effects of self-medication. In addition, appropriate measures should be taken to control and prevent an easy access to medications.

Authors

Seyedeh Motahareh Mirdoosti

Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Mohammad Mirzaei

Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Alireza Saadati

Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Mohadeseh Rahimi Hendavalan

Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Vida Vakili

Department of Community Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.