From Novice to Self-Healer: Exploring Self-Medication among First-Year Medical Students

Abstract

Objective: To study discusses what first-year medical students know about self-medication, their attitudes toward it, and their
actual practices in managing their health.

Methods: The study surveyed 200 first-year medical students from October to December 2023 in Rawalpindi to assess their
understanding, approach, and practice of self-medication using a non-random convenience sampling method. Data was
analyzed with SPSS Version 27, employing descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

Results: The prevalence of self-medication among the students was found to be 96%. Females (62.5%) showed a significantly
higher association with self-medication compared to males (33.5%). Around 90% of students had basic knowledge of selfmedication safety and precautions, and over half had a positive attitude towards it, with only 43.5% feeling confident in its
success.

Conclusion: The study highlights a significant prevalence of self-medication among first-year medical students in Rawalpindi,
with a majority demonstrating a basic understanding and positive attitudes toward its practice. Despite a lack of confidence in
its efficacy, a high percentage of students still engage in self-medication practices. Further research could explore the factors
influencing students' confidence in self-medication success to better inform future interventions and healthcare policies.

Keywords: Self-Healer, Self-Medication, Medical Students