Open AccessAttitude, Knowledge and Practice of Self-Medication Among the Students of Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
Author(s) -
Muzammila Akram,
Sania Moin,
S. M. Iqbal
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
global regional review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2663-7030
pISSN - 2616-955X
DOI - 10.31703/grr.2020(v-iii).11
Subject(s) - self medication , simple random sample , medical prescription , publicity , family medicine , medical education , data collection , population , systematic sampling , medicine , the internet , psychology , alternative medicine , nursing , environmental health , computer science , social science , pathology , marketing , sociology , world wide web , business
Self-medication is the usage of medicines to resolve self-identified health issues, and it is common in third world nations. The current study aimed to measure the attitude, knowledge and use of self-medication among the students of Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab Pakistan. To achieve the objective of this study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was applied. Using simple random sampling technique, 330 students were selected for data collection from the target population. Keeping in view the objectives and reviewing some relevant literature, a questionnaire was developed. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were calculated through a pilot study. To analyze the data, the statistical package for social science (SPSS, version-22) was utilized. Overall, the majority of undergraduate students (87%) observed self-medication. It was found that the majority of students used medicines due to smooth accessibility of OTC drugs, prior prescriptions records, internet, publicity substances and advice from peers etc. The use of un-prescribed drugs by the students without consultation might cause severe side effects and produce lifelong health issues. Therefore, the study recommended that self-practice medication and availability of drugs without prescription should be discouraged. Moreover, Healthcare facilities should be provided to all the students, staff, and suppliers of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur.