Prevalence and Risks of Self-Medication Among Syrian Families: A Pharmacist-Based Survey

Self-medication is a widespread practice in Syria, driven by socioeconomic challenges and limited healthcare access. This study assessed self-medication trends among Syrian families using a pharmacist-distributed questionnaire, examining the prevalence, motivations, types of medication, risks, and information sources. The results revealed that 97.6% of participants considered self-medication common, with pain relievers (92.5%) and cold/flu medications (68.8%) being the most frequently used. Key motivations included financial constraints (57.5%), cultural habits (46.3%), and difficulty accessing doctors (41.3%). Despite most participants recognizing potential risks, such as incorrect diagnosis (71.3%) and drug interactions (53.8%), informal sources, including family/friends (79.7%) and the internet (43%), remained the primary information channels. In comparison, physicians played a minimal role (6.3%). Pharmacists reported that self-medication increased pharmacy visits (41.3%), yet only 42.5% felt confident in providing adequate counselling. Nearly all respondents (97.5%) emphasized the need for greater public awareness. These findings underscore the pressing need for interventions to reduce reliance on self-medication, including enhanced access to healthcare, pharmacist training, and targeted educational campaigns. Addressing these issues is critical to mitigating risks and promoting safer healthcare practices in Syria.