Patterns of Self-medication Practices Among Medical and Non-medical University Students in Islamabad: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Self-medication is a common practice among university students, mainly among medical students, for minor illnesses and without consultation with healthcare professionals. Self-medication especially the use of antibiotics can lead to public health risks such as antibiotics resistance. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 100 university students using a self-reported questionnaire. The study collected information on self-medication for minor illnesses. Data were analyzed for frequency, percentage, and the association between field of study and self-medication practices. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-medication was 62% with 67% among medical students and 45% among non-medical students. Headache was reported by 96% of students. Analgesics and antibiotics were the most commonly used medicines with 42% of students using antibiotics without a prescription. The main reasons for self-medication were previous experience, old prescriptions, and easy access from pharmacies. About one-third of students reported side effects. A statistically significant association was found between field of study and self-medication (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Self-medication is highly widespread among university students especially medical students. This behavior plays serious health risks, particularly due to unsupervised use of antibiotics. Education, awareness campaigns, and strict regulations on over-the-counter medicines are recommended to reduce the unprofessional use of self-medication practices.