Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self-Medication of Antibiotics among University of Kigali Students in Rwanda

Abstract: The study investigated the growing issue of self-medication with antibiotics among students at the University of Kigali, a practice contributing significantly to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR poses a serious global threat, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning it could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unchecked. In Rwanda, self-medication is widespread among university students, influenced by financial limitations, easy access to antibiotics, and inadequate health awareness. Despite global attention to this issue, limited research has focused on the Rwandan university context. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 235 systematically selected students across various faculties and levels through structured questionnaires. Analysis in SPSS version 25 involved descriptive and logistic regression methods. Most respondents were aged between 24 and 26 years (45.5%), and males constituted the majority (61.3%). The findings revealed a high prevalence (69.4%) of antibiotic self-medication. The common ailments prompting self-treatment were coughs, colds, and flu (57.7%), followed by sore throat (26.4%). The most frequently used antibiotics included amoxicillin (53.4%), metronidazole (30.7%), and azithromycin (11.0%). Knowledge regarding antibiotic use was generally moderate (86.4%), while attitudes were neutral (77.9%) and perceptions poor (60.4%). Regression results indicated that sufficient monthly income, financial constraints leading to occasional self-medication, preference for managing minor illnesses independently, and reliance on prior experience were significant predictors of self-medication. Conversely, students who distrusted pharmacists dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions were less likely to self-medicate. The study concluded that self-medication with antibiotics is alarmingly prevalent among University of Kigali students, primarily influenced by socio-economic factors, accessibility of antibiotics, and self-reliant health behaviors. Despite moderate knowledge levels, poor attitudes and perceptions persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study recommends integrating rational antibiotic use into university health education programs, conducting regular awareness campaigns, enforcing stricter regulations on antibiotic sales, and ensuring that pharmacies dispense antibiotics only upon valid prescriptions while educating the public on responsible use. Keywords: Prevalence, Self-Medication, Antibiotics, University of Kigali, Students, Rwanda. Title: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self-Medication of Antibiotics among University of Kigali Students in Rwanda Author: Niyigena Aline, Dr Rosemary Okova International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 144-157 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 05-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17532002 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/prevalence-and-factors-associated-with-self-medication-of-antibiotics-among-university-of-kigali-students-in-rwanda