Knowledge and Attitude on Analgesic Use Among Female Students at King Abdulaziz University in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Self-medication, specifically with analgesics such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is prevalent among university students. This behavior can potentially lead to health risks, including hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal complications. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding analgesic use among female students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022, involving 371 participants. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic information, knowledge about analgesic side effects, attitudes toward their use, and practices during examination periods. Results: Most students (65.4%) showed a moderate understanding of analgesics, with medical and nursing students significantly outperforming those studying business. While 83.3% reported using paracetamol, most considered it a safe, readily accessible treatment. Regarding attitude, half the students (50.1%) regularly read medication leaflets, yet 36.9% used analgesics without a prescription. During exams, the primary reason for using analgesics was to alleviate headaches (71.2%), with a substantial majority (87.6%) only using them as needed. Conclusion: This study found that, while most students demonstrated moderate knowledge of analgesic use, medical and nursing students demonstrated a significantly better understanding than business students. Notably, the majority adhered to safe dosing practices. However, a concerning trend emerged regarding the misuse of analgesics during exam periods. The findings emphasize the need for targeted educational programs to promote safe analgesic use, especially during stressful periods such as exams. Further research is recommended to explore the broader implications of self-medication behaviors among university students in Saudi Arabia.