Prevalence and associated risk factors of self-medication with over-the-counter medicines among university students in the United Arab Emirates

Background: Proper self-medication with Over the Counter (OTC) medicines can benefit both the patient and the healthcare sector. Although OTC medications are considered relatively safe, their improper use can lead to serious health risks and implications. This study investigates the self-medication...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pharmacy practice : official journal of the GRIPP (Global Research Institute of Pharmacy Practice) 2022-07, Vol.20 (3), p.1-6
Main Authors: AL-KUBAISI, Khalid A, R. ABDUELKAREM, Abduelmula, M HASSANEIN, Mohammed
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Medical students
medication
Non
Original Research
prescription drugs
Self
United Arab Emirates
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Summary:Background: Proper self-medication with Over the Counter (OTC) medicines can benefit both the patient and the healthcare sector. Although OTC medications are considered relatively safe, their improper use can lead to serious health risks and implications. This study investigates the self-medication practices with OTC medicines among medical and non-medical students at different universities in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out over six months (January-June 2021). The desired confidence level was set at 95%, and the precision level was 0.03. A three-step cluster sample method was employed. A self-administered questionnaire that assessed predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with the use of OTC medicines was developed based on Andersen’s behavioural model. Results: A total of 2355 students completed the study questionnaire. The mean age was 20.94, and 76.3% were female. More than half of the participating students (57.5%) reported using OTC medicines during the past 90 days of conducting the study. A good proportion (67.8%) reported performing a high level of self-care. Student’s perceived health (p
ISSN:1885-642X
1886-3655
1886-3655
DOI:10.18549/PharmPract.2022.3.2679