Self-medication practices among undergraduates of a public university

Lua, Pei Lin and Umar Idris, Ibrahim (2016) Self-medication practices among undergraduates of a public university. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 16 (3). pp. 23-28. ISSN 16750306

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Abstract

Inappropriate use of medicine could lead to harmful effects on the user. In some cases it results in unnecessary adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. Knowledge about possible side effect and drug interaction may ensure better self-medication practices. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of self-medication practices among undergraduate students of a public university in Terengganu, Malaysia, and to identify the most common group of medicine used. Knowledge on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug interactions was also explored. A structured questionnaire asking about self-medication, therapeutic classes, knowledge of ADRs and drug interactions was administered to 363 final year students of UniSZA. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. Nearly half (46.6%) practised self-medication in the previous week and about 84.0% were aware of ADRs and drug interactions. Pain relievers were the most common group of medicines consumed (63.4%). Self-medication practices were moderately common among the undergraduates and they were aware of ADRs and drugs interactions. More awareness should be given to the students for continuous safe self-medication.

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