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Volume 19, Issue 2 (2026)
J Med Edu Dev 2026, 19(2): 111-119 |
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Krishnan D G, Keloth A V, Ravindren S. Self-medication practices among final-year medical students: a cross-sectional survey in a tertiary hospital. J Med Edu Dev 2026; 19 (2) :111-119
URL: http://edujournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-2727-en.html
URL: http://edujournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-2727-en.html
1- Department of Pharmacology, KMCT Medical College, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
2- Department of Surgery, Malabar Medical College, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Kozhikode, Kerala, India ,anukeshteaching@gmail.com
2- Department of Surgery, Malabar Medical College, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Kozhikode, Kerala, India ,
Abstract: (34 Views)
Background & Objective: Self-medication, defined as the use of medications without a physician's prescription, is common among medical students due to their partial medical knowledge and easy access to drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and attitudes regarding self-medication practices among final-year undergraduate medical students.
Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 238 final-year medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital between September and November 2024. Data were collected using a structured anonymous questionnaire. Out of these, 224 completed responses were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.
Results: The study found that 83.9% of students practiced self-medication. Female students showed a significantly higher prevalence, greater awareness of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), and better adherence to treatment regimens compared to males (p<0.01). Fever (86%), pain (73.9%), and cold & cough (54%) were the most common conditions treated. Antipyretics (92.5%) and analgesics (81.9%) were the most frequently used drugs. The primary source of information was internet resources (62.7%). Overall awareness of ADRs was low (26.6%); however, 78.6% of students believed that self-medication should be avoided.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of self-medication among medical students highlights the urgent need to integrate training on rational drug use into the undergraduate medical curriculum.
Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 238 final-year medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital between September and November 2024. Data were collected using a structured anonymous questionnaire. Out of these, 224 completed responses were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.
Results: The study found that 83.9% of students practiced self-medication. Female students showed a significantly higher prevalence, greater awareness of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), and better adherence to treatment regimens compared to males (p<0.01). Fever (86%), pain (73.9%), and cold & cough (54%) were the most common conditions treated. Antipyretics (92.5%) and analgesics (81.9%) were the most frequently used drugs. The primary source of information was internet resources (62.7%). Overall awareness of ADRs was low (26.6%); however, 78.6% of students believed that self-medication should be avoided.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of self-medication among medical students highlights the urgent need to integrate training on rational drug use into the undergraduate medical curriculum.
Article Type : Orginal Research |
Subject:
Medical Education
Received: 2026/01/4 | Accepted: 2026/02/28 | Published: 2026/04/1
Received: 2026/01/4 | Accepted: 2026/02/28 | Published: 2026/04/1
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