PREVALENCE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS AT AJMAN UNIVERSITY

Mena Rabea Al-Ani, Najeeb Hassan, Zehra Edis, Samir Haj Bloukh and Moyad Shahwan*

ABSTRACT

Background: Self-medication is the use of medicines by the people on their own inventiveness or on the suggestion of a friend, family member or other persons without consulting a qualified health care professional. People use medicines for prevention, cure, diagnosis and management of diseases. Objective: This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of self-medication behavior among Ajman University of Science and Technology students. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Ajman from March to June 2015. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Chi square test was used to analyze the proper questions. Results: Total of 700 students, 594 reported self-medication use, medical students use self-medication more than non-medical students. Most drugs for self-medication were obtained from the community pharmacy or previous prescriptions and the most commonly used drugs were analgesic drugs. Common reported illnesses were pain and respiratory symptoms. Saving time and money, previously resolved complains were the top two reported factors for self-medication. Reading materials (inserted package) were the top reported source of drugs information. The adverse effects reported with self-medication were vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. The majority of student stops taking drugs and consulted the doctor or pharmacist when adverse effect occurred. Conclusion: Self-medication is common in Ajman University students. Health professionals need to educate students on the benefits and risks of self-medication to encourage responsible self-medication.

Keywords: self-medication, Health professionals, medicines, adverse effects.