SELF‑MEDICATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN TWO UNIVERSITIES IN SYRIA

Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. Studies performed on self-medication reveal that it is a fairly common practice, especially in economically deprived communities. This Descriptive cross sectional study assessed the self‑medication issue among medical students of Aleppo Government University (AGU) and Al-Andalus Private University (APU) using Pre-tested and validated questionnaires. Among 436 students participated from two universities, the prevalence of self-medication was (60.5%, 40.9%) respectively. The highly significant difference (p< 0.001) was observed between self-medication rates between two universities. Whereas, the medication pattern for self-medication was similar among self-medicated students at two universities. Analgesics followed by antipyretics were the most drugs used for self-medication. Headache followed by fever and flu were the most frequent symptoms. The two main reasons for self-medication were mildness of illness and time-saving. Selection of medicine for self-medication was depends mainly on the recommendations of community pharmacists and they were the main source for obtaining self-medication drugs. This study showed that a significant number of medical students practiced self-medication. Education on irrational use of drug should be emphasized. It might be helpful if the concepts and principles of self-medication could be reflected in the formal curricula of health care disciplines.