International Journal of Nursing

Assessment of Self-Medication Use among University Students
Abdullah Alkhawaldeh, PhD; Omar Al Omari, PhD; Mohammed ALBashtawy, PhD; Omar Khraisat, PhD; Khloud Al Dammerry, MSc; Shadi F. Gharaibeh, PhD; Ibrahim Ayasrah, MSc

Abstract
Introduction: The use of self-medication represents a health problem among university students. Aim: This study aimed to explored the self-medication phenomenon among university students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and self-reported questionnaire, data were collected from 150 university students. Results: Use of self-medication was reported by 69.3% of the students. The most frequent medications used were analgesics (61.3%), cold & cough medications (58%) and antibiotics (56.7%), with the most common health conditions for self-medication being headaches (64.7%), colds and flu (62.7%), and fever (52.0%). The ease of access to medication (36.0%), advice from friends (32.7%), lack of time to consult physicians (27.3%), long waiting times for treatment (26.7%), hospital medications do not work (20.0%), and the hospital or clinic is very far away (18.7%) were reported by the students as reasons leading to self-medication. The most common sources for self-medication were pharmacies (58.7%), and available in home (49.3%), and hospital (31.3%). Conclusion: The use of self-medication is high among university students. Therefore, decision makers should pay more attention to this phenomenon and more education sessions should be given to youth to draw their attention to the possible negative effects of self-medication.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v7n1a1