Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF SELF- MEDICATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN KHARTOUM UNIVERSITY, 2018

*Lina Mohammed Omer Ahmed and Dr. Amani Abdelrahman

Abstract

Background: Self-medication results in wastage of resources, increases resistance of pathogens and generally causes serious health hazards such as adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering and drug dependence. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students toward self- medication. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at University of Khartoum, faculty of medicine; medical students were selected from third to sixth year. Participants were selected through random sampling. The data was collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire, and analysed using SPSS version 22, the results expressed as proportions. Results: A total of 333 students, 238 (71.5%) females and 95 (28.5%) males were included in the study. The prevalence of self-medication was reported 277(83.4%). Most respondents used selfmedication due to their knowledge about medications or used drugs according to previous experience. The most common ailments for which self-medication were used were fever/headache (77.5%) and upper respiratory tract infections (47.4%), the main source of information was from pharmacist (41.8%). Antipyretics/analgesics (79.2%), antibiotics (51%) and vitamins & supplements (39%) were the most common self-medicated drugs. Of the respondents (84.7%) reported that self- medication was helpful and they got treated while (11.4%) said the opposite. Most participants (69.7%) had been satisfied to practice selfmedication and only (14.2%) said the opposite. Conclusion: The prevalence of selfmedication among medical students is high, facilitated by the easy availability of information. Recommendation: There is a need for potential restriction of the use of drugs and intensive education and comprehensive awareness campaign to the students.

Keywords: KAP study – knowledge – attitude – practice - self-medication – medical students.