Date of Award

11-30-2020

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)

First Advisor

Ms. Yasmin Parpio

Second Advisor

Dr. Hasan Salman Siddiqi

Third Advisor

Dr. Sobiya Sawani

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: The practice of self-medications is one of the most common global issues among the general public that is contributing to severe side effects of medicines and drug resistance. Among the general public, self-medication practices are more evident in the schooled and literate population, worldwide. Self-medication practices among the university students is a common and emerging problems, worldwide. The practices of self-medication are associated with prolonged illnesses and hospitalization, delayed diagnosis due to development of microbial resistance, and failure in treatment, ultimately resulting in economical and disease burdens. Many of the findings related to self-medication practices reveal severe side effects and drug resistance, which is intensifying morbidity and mortality rates. In accordance with previous research findings, it is necessary to identify the prevalence gap and the root causes of self-medication practices among university students.
Research Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication practices and associated factors among public university students of Gilgit, Northern Pakistan.
Methodology This research study employed a cross-sectional analytical design to answer the study questions. The descriptive cross-sectional design was followed to estimate the overall prevalence of self-medication practices among university students of Gilgit, whereas an analytical cross- 5 sectional study design was employed to observe the relationship between the outcome of interest and the variables.
Results :Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0. There were 95 (69.3%) male and 42 (30.7%) female participants. The mean age of the participants was 27.07 (SD= ±2.78) years. This study found an overall prevalence of 83.0% self-medication practices among the university students of Gilgit, northern Pakistan. Furthermore, this study revealed that male students indulge more in the practice of self-medication, as compared to female students, i.e. 69.0% and 30.9%, respectively. The common categories of medicines used were analgesics (70.8%) and antibiotics (38.7%) for self-medication practices. Moreover, headache (54.7%) and fever (52.6%) were the most concerns, saving time and money (41.6%) were the most common reasons, and pharmacy shops (46.7%) the most common source for self-medication practice among the university students of Gilgit.
Conclusion :Although, the practice of self-medication is difficult to eradicate, however, it can be discouraged and safe use of medicines should be ensured. Interventions can be made to spread awareness about self-medication practices and its consequences. Moreover, strict policies against selling of non-prescribed medications in pharmacies and medical stores need to be implemented. Also, making policies for identifying minor diseases and non-pharmacological treatment methods, to overcome the self-medication practices and their effects need attention

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