Self-medication among Students from the Faculty of Medicine at Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a global public health concern. There is increasing concern about how medical personnel handle their health issues. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication among medical students, identify commonly used medications, and understand the reasons for this practice. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 802 students from the Faculty of Medicine at Misr University for Science and Technology. An online survey was performed via Google Forms and was distributed across the students’ social media platforms. The survey included an introduction (stating the purpose and informed consent statements), the socio-demographics of the students, and their self-medication practices. Data were collected from January 1, 2024, to February 29, 2024, then coded and analyzed. Results: Regular self-medication was reported by 17.7% of the students, and 59.2% self-medicate when getting sick. Females had higher rates of self-medication compared to males with a highly statistically significant difference. The most commonly used drugs for self-medication were analgesics and antipyretics (82.3%). Self-medication was notably higher among senior students (5th and 6th years) (71.3%). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of self-medication among university medical students. Recommendations: Future implications of education and awareness about self-medication are deemed necessary.