Frequency and causes of self-medication among the medical students of Federal Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan

Gul Mehar Javaid Bukhari; Hareem Binte Saleem; Zafar Hayat Maken; Shabana Saleem; Tayyaba Saleem; Hania Batool

Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency and causes of self-medication among medical students of Federal Medical College, Islamabad.
Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 292 medical students at Federal Medical College, Islamabad from August to October 2020. Pretested validated tool was used to collect data via random sampling. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between different study years and self-medication.
Results: Out of 292 students, 36% were males and 64% females. The frequency of self-medication was 80.9% and 92.1% used allopathic medicine while 5.1% used herbal medicines. 86% of students of age between 22-25 years self- medicated in the last 6 months while only 77% of students of age between 18-21 years did the same. Fever (70%), headache (69%) and body ache (48%) were the most common indications for this practice. Paracetamol (89%), antibiotics (49%), NSAID's (49%) and antihistamine (45.5%) were the most commonly used drugs. Major factors favouring self-medication were quick relief (52%), time saving (46%), convenience (41%), physician will prescribe the same (38.5%) and emergency use (34%).
Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among medical students. This practice may contribute to adverse health outcomes among them.

Key words: Self-medication, medical students, drugs.

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