Prevalence and Patterns of Self - Medication among Medical Students in Suez Canal University

Background: Self-medication (SM) is the use of over the counter or prescription drugs without professional consultation, driven by factors like limited healthcare access, high costs, and easy drug availability. Aim: The aim of this work was to improve and regulate the practices of medical students regarding Self-Medication by identifying its prevalence and patterns. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 491 medical students aged from 19 to 22 years old, both sexes, who are enrolled in the academic programs lists from all the five medical classes (grades), and participants who agreed to take part in the study were enrolled during the academic semesters. Data were collected using a validated, semi-structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Results: Our study consisted of 491 medical students and found a high self-medication (SM) prevalence (79.3%), higher in clinical-year students (80.95%) than academic years (73.68%). Key predictors were marital status and insufficient family income (p < 0.001). The main reasons for SM were previous experience (79.2%) and minor illness (73.6%). Common indications included respiratory (81.7%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (60.2%). NSAIDs/analgesics (80.2%), antibiotics (60.5%), and vitamins (63.1%) were the most used drugs. Sources included informal consultations (51.1%) and pharmacy clerks (41.1%). Awareness of adverse effects (70.3%) and dosing (65.8%) was moderate. Adverse effects occurred in 27.1% of students. Conclusions: Self-medication is highly prevalent among medical students, particularly in clinical years, driven mainly by prior experience and minor illnesses. Despite moderate awareness of risks, significant adverse effects were reported. Addressing this issue through targeted educational interventions and stricter regulation of medication access is essential to promote safer practices.