Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) about Self-medication among Adult Population of Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication can be described as the use of medications with therapeutic intent without prescription or supervision of the physician. The World Health Organization has considered Self- medications as one of self-care elements that comprise hygiene, nutrition, lifestyle, living condition, and income level. Self- Care is a practice that people do, to maintain wellness and prevent illness. Hence current study conducted to measure the prevalence of knowledge and attitude about self- medication practice among the communities of Eastern province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 532 participants via an online survey. Survey questionnaire was distributed over the Social media platform. Results: The results indicate that among the age group 15 to 25 years (43.42%) there’s a high incidence of self-medication practice. Gender comparison indicated that females demonstrated a high prevalence of self-medication than males. Analysis of information from the university graduate students indicated that self-medication was high (46.05%) related with the knowledge of the medications (68.6%). Major medicine that was being used to self-medicate was Analgesic/painkiller (80.26%). It is essential to mention that the use of antibiotic was slightly low (12%). Among the health problems that provoked self-medication, headache was the main health problem (58.83%). Conclusion: Self-medication was found to be alarmingly high among the population of Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. So, it is imperative to increase the awareness among the population about the risk of this practice and how to practice self-medication more responsibly to avoid unwanted outcomes.