Hanan Alahmed
Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Knowledge and behavior of students at princess nourah bint abdulrahman university towards self-medication
Biography
Biography: Hanan Alahmed
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the prevalence and behavior of self-medication among PNU students.
Methodology
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on PNU students, to whom an Arabic version of the questionnaire was used to collect the data. Questionnaire included sections about sociodemographic data, behavior and experience of self-medication. Questions regarding health care system and student dorm influence on self-medication practices were included as well. IBM SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done as indicated
Results
The prevalence of self-medication among PNU students was 82.6%, The majority reported the use of analgesics (73.5%) for headache and abdominal pain. Information were mainly accessed from internet and relatives (34.4% and 37.7%). Although 92.1% of participants found improvement of their condition, Yet 5.3% reported ER admission as a consequence of self-medication. Of note that 91% had health care availability, however the prevalence of self-medication is still high attributed to bad experiences or fear of infections. Neither college type nor educational level showed impact on self-medication practices, living in a student dorm is thought to enhance self-medication among students.
Conclusion
Self-medication is prevalent among PNU students, College and educational level don’t seem to influence its prevalence. Poor experience with hospitals and living in student dorms are aggravating factors.