RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of self-medication among the medical and nonmedical university students of Sindh [Pakistan]
METHODOLOGY: A Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from Aug-Sept 2013. A convenient sampling of 400 [50% medical and 50% non-medical] students was done among universities of Sindh [Pakistan].Undergraduate students of age group [18-23] were included whereas postgraduate students, house officers were excluded. Data was analyzed using SPSS [Statistical Package for the social sciences] version 16
RESULTS: Frequency of self-medication was found to be 80%. 81% of non-medical and 81% of male students were prone to self-medication. 45% of males and 47% of medical students are aware of the contra indications when compared to females [37%] and non-medical students [33%]. 2. 75% of males and 88% of medical students know about the uses of the medicine compared to females [67%] and non-medical students [54%]. 39% males and 52% medical students have knowledge of the complications than to the females [38%] and non-medical students [25%]. The commonest health problems for which students seek self-medication are headache [40%], fever [19.5%], flu [5.2%]
CONCLUSION: Self-medication is significantly high in the educated youth. Male and nonmedical students are prone to self-medication. Self-medication among males is found to be practiced more among the Muslim States