Self-Medication Among King Khalid University Students, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: This study objective was to explore the pattern of self-medications among King Khalid University students, Saudi Arabia.

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over five months among King Khalid University students, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Results: Among all the study participants, nearly 98.7% were practicing self-medication. Headache (75.9%), cough and cold (52.5%), and fever (35.6%) and body pain (24.6%) were the most reported symptoms. Use of painkillers (91.6%) was significantly predominant among the medical students, whereas non-medical students used antibiotics (35.4%).Time saving (64.2%), mild symptom (51.7%) and quick relief (36.9%) were the reasons behind seeking self-medication in this study.

Conclusion: Self-medications was common in King Khalid University. Educational programs are highly recommended.