SELF MEDICATION IN MEDICAL STUDENTS OF ALLAMA IQBAL MEDICAL COLLEGE

Rabail Riaz, Muhammad Waleed Akram*, Rana Faseeh Ur Rehman

ABSTRACT

Background: Self-medication is practiced significantly worldwide even though its types, extent and reasons vary. This research was conducted to describe and evaluate the medicines used by medical students, awareness, reasons behind self-medication, drug information resources, hazards and knowledge of drug profile. Methodology: A Cross-Sectional study was done at AIMC affiliated with Jinnah Hospital Lahore from April – June 2015, Questionnaire containing close and open ended questions distributed among medical students. Results: Among 300 students, 76.7% believed in self-medication, 90.7% practiced self-medication, 85.3% were aware of adverse effects, 45.3% had lack of trust in doctors and 61.7% students fully understood the instructions given. Conclusions: The conclusion from this study is that a significant number of students practice self-medication about 90%. Commonly used drugs are Analgesics and source of these drugs is pharmacy store. Common source of information for self-medication are previous prescription of doctors.

Keywords: Self-medication, Medical students, practices, Awareness, Side effects.