Self-Medication Prevalence and Associated Factors among Employees at Latakia University

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is considered one of the widespread health and behavioral phenomena worldwide, as individuals resort to using medications or therapeutic products without prior medical consultation to treat symptoms, they believe they can manage on their own.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of self-medication and the factors associated with it among employees of the Latakia University.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at the University of Latakia on a sample of 500 participants during the period from June 4 to July 20,2023. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of three sections: demographic data, patterns of self-medication, and motivating and influencing factors related to the use of self-medication.

Results: The results showed that self-medication is a common practice among employees of the University of Latakia. The most frequently used medications were analgesics and antipyretics, followed by antibiotics. Headache and nasal discharge and congestion were among the most prominent conditions and symptoms leading to self-medication. It was also found that urban residents were more inclined to self-medication compared to rural residents, and that pharmacists, physicians, and medication leaflets were the most commonly relied upon sources of drug-related information.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Self-medication is a common and widespread practice among employees of the University of Latakia. There is a need to develop educational and awareness programs aimed at improving individuals’ health awareness, encouraging them to seek medical consultation when needed, enhancing drug education within university institutions, and intensifying media campaigns about the risks of irrational drug use.