Medical Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards Self-Medication in Al-Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is a serious issue worldwide and its irrational use becomes a major cause of global concern. Aims: The present study aimed to determine the knowledge of and attitude of students towards self-medication. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all medical students enrolled in Al-Iraqia Medical College, 400 (> 90%) students were the respondent sample size and data was collected using self-administrated questionnaire. Results: The study finding revealed the mean age of 400 enrolled students was 20.37, most of them were female (66.5%) aged more than 20 years old (53%), in third level (26.5%), single (97.5%), lived with family (74%) and with non-sufficient family monthly income (52.8%). More than half of the respondents found to have a good knowledge (55.25%) and positive attitude (67.25%) towards self self-medication with considerable effect of their socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Medical students have in general good knowledge and positive attitude towards self-medication with favor to practice it saying that it acceptable. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for raising the issue of orientation to enlighten the students about the problems that may arise from inappropriate medication use.