Exploration of Self-Medication: Examining Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Undergraduate Medical Students – A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Self-medication is widespread among medical students, impacting health outcomes. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on self-medication among this population is essential to guide interventions for responsible medication use. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 undergraduate medical students at Government Medical College Suryapet to assess their KAP towards self-medication using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data. Results: Demographic: The sample comprised 150 males and 150 females. Age distribution: 35%, 42%, and 23% were aged 18-20, 21-23, and above 23. Year of study distribution: 31%, 36%, and 33% in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year. Approximately 3% reported that they have chronic medical illnesses. Knowledge: Fifty four percent accurately defined self-medication. 62% acknowledged potential adverse effects in all medications. Furthermore, 57% stressed the importance of basic drug knowledge was essential for self-medication. While 65% correctly identified age-based self-medication limitations.41% suggested discontinuation if adverse effect appears. Attitude: Fifteen percent endorsed that all dosage ranges posed risks, and 20% strongly agreed that self-medication was unsafe across age groups. Further, 53% endorsed close symptom monitoring during self-medication, while 64% believed self-medication drugs could interact with other drugs and food. Additionally, 45% considered certain self-medication drugs unsafe during pregnancy. Practice: Twenty nine percent admitted consuming medication without reading package inserts, 17% shared prescriptions with symptomatic peers. Additionally, 38% self-medicated without medical knowledge, and 21% extended self-medication without medical oversight. Cost-saving motivated 25%, while 18% were uncertain about prescription necessity. Moreover, 12% reported adverse effects from self-medication. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the diverse KAP regarding self-medication among undergraduate medical students, with demographic-specific targeted educational interventions that can cultivate responsible self-medication practices, ensuring safe and effective medication use.