Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency and causes of
self-medication among medical students of Federal
Medical College, Islamabad.
Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional
study conducted on 292 medical students at Federal
Medical College, Islamabad from August to October
2020. Pretested validated tool was used to collect data
via random sampling. SPSS version 25 was used for
data analysis. Chi-square test was used to determine
the association between different study years and selfmedication.
Results: Out of 292 students, 36% were males and
64% females. The frequency of self-medication was
80.9% and 92.1% used allopathic medicine while 5.1%
used herbal medicines. 86% of students of age
between 22 – 25 years self- medicated in the last 6
months while only 77% of students of age between
18 – 21 years did the same. Fever (70%), headache
(69%) and body ache (48%)were the most common
indications for this practice. Paracetamol (89%),
antibiotics (49%), NSAID's (49%) and antihistamine
(45.5%) were the most commonly used drugs. Major
factors favouring self-medication were quick relief
(52%), time saving (46%), convenience (41%),
physician will prescribe the same (38.5%) and
emergency use (34%).
Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent
among medical students. This practice may contribute
to adverse health outcomes among them.
Keywords: Self -medication, medical students, drugs.
