Frequency of Self-Medication and Knowledge about Out-of-Counter Drugs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Group of Iranian Dental Students

Abstract Objective: To study the frequency of self-medication and knowledge about out-of-counter drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of Iranian dental students. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental undergraduates from September 2021 to November 2021 after receiving ethical clearance from the Kerman Medical University Ethical Committee. A valid and reliable questionnaire, consisting of demographic data and questions about self-medication and knowledge about out-of-counter drugs, was sent to participants via E-mail. Data was analyzed by SPSS 26 software by using a t-test. The P-value was considered at a 0.05% significant level. Results: A total of 88 students participated in the study with a mean age of 21.39±3.71 years. Prevalence of self-medication was found in 53.4%. The most common cause for self-medication was headache. Acetaminophen was the most commonly used medicine for self-medication. Females had more self-medication than males, but there was no significant differences. There was no significant differences between entering year to university and self-medication. Younger students had significantly more self-medication (p=0.007). Knowledge about out-of-counter drugs was moderate. Conclusion: Moderate self-medication as noticed. The out-of-counter drugs were the most used. Although out-of-counter drugs seem relatively safe, their improper use can cause serious side effects. Dental students need to be educated regarding appropriate safe medication and out-of-counter drugs.

Assessment of emotional intelligence in medical university staff in Ardabil: Northwest of Iran

Background: Emotional intelligence is one of the most important factors for the job and social success of individuals that is necessary for effective performance of all employees working in different governmental and private sectors, medical centers, factories and others. The aim of this study was to investigate the Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Ardabil University staff.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was done on 150 staff employed in Ardabil University of Medical Sciences which selected randomly. Data collected by Goleman EI questionnaire and analysed by statistical descriptive methods in SPSS.19.Results: The mean age of samples was 7.6±40.8 and 56% of samples were male. 93.3% of samples had university degree. The EI of most of employees with 68% were in moderate level.Conclusions: Conducting appropriate and effective training courses on emotional intelligence can be very effective in promoting job success, social success, and better interaction between staff and people.