BMC medical education · 2025
Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacy students compared to other medical fields students regarding self-medication with OTC medicines in kosovo: a cross-sectional study.
СтатьяСравнительное исследованиеНазвание и аннотация: Перевод в очереди
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
Загрузка состояния…
Ошибки и ограничения
История · было → стало
Состояние обновляется каждые 5 секунд, пока блок открыт. Процент показывается только там, где известен объём работы. Пауза останавливает продолжение этапа; текущий запрос к источнику может завершиться.
Shuleta-Qehaja Selvete, Kelmendi Nita
Аннотация
BACKGROUND: Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is a common global practice, yet it carries risks related to incorrect usage, delayed diagnosis, and adverse reactions. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding OTC self-medication among pharmacy students and those in other medical fields in Kosovo.
METHODS: A convenience sample of 800 students was targeted, and 625 completed questionnaires were returned (78.1% response rate). Participants were enrolled in Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy at Bachelor's and Master's levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine significant associations (p ≤ 0.05).
RESULTS: Of the 625 respondents, 72.2% indicated current use of OTC drugs, while 56.2% reported having self-medicated in the last six months without consulting a healthcare professional. Headache (93.1%), flu/colds (81.8%), and vitamins (88.6%) were the most frequently cited reasons for OTC usage. Pharmacy students exhibited significantly higher knowledge of OTC medications (p = 0.001), and Master's-level students were slightly more knowledgeable than their Bachelor's-level counterparts (p = 0.03). Although 73.8% recognized that all medicines can cause adverse events, around 40-50% believed self-medication is safe without professional guidance. Females and pharmacy students more consistently checked expiry dates and reported a slightly lower tendency to consider self-medication completely safe.
CONCLUSION: Self-medication with OTC medicines is prevalent among these student populations, particularly for managing mild symptoms. Pharmacy and graduate-level students demonstrated a stronger awareness of potential risks, highlighting the role of targeted education in promoting safer self-medication practices. Strengthening curricula to emphasize responsible OTC use and encouraging students to seek professional consultation when necessary could help mitigate associated risks.
METHODS: A convenience sample of 800 students was targeted, and 625 completed questionnaires were returned (78.1% response rate). Participants were enrolled in Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy at Bachelor's and Master's levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine significant associations (p ≤ 0.05).
RESULTS: Of the 625 respondents, 72.2% indicated current use of OTC drugs, while 56.2% reported having self-medicated in the last six months without consulting a healthcare professional. Headache (93.1%), flu/colds (81.8%), and vitamins (88.6%) were the most frequently cited reasons for OTC usage. Pharmacy students exhibited significantly higher knowledge of OTC medications (p = 0.001), and Master's-level students were slightly more knowledgeable than their Bachelor's-level counterparts (p = 0.03). Although 73.8% recognized that all medicines can cause adverse events, around 40-50% believed self-medication is safe without professional guidance. Females and pharmacy students more consistently checked expiry dates and reported a slightly lower tendency to consider self-medication completely safe.
CONCLUSION: Self-medication with OTC medicines is prevalent among these student populations, particularly for managing mild symptoms. Pharmacy and graduate-level students demonstrated a stronger awareness of potential risks, highlighting the role of targeted education in promoting safer self-medication practices. Strengthening curricula to emphasize responsible OTC use and encouraging students to seek professional consultation when necessary could help mitigate associated risks.