Assessment of self-medication practices and its associated factors among undergraduate students of private universities in Banadir region, Somalia

Self-medication was highly prevalent among Somali undergraduates, with frequent use of analgesics and antibiotics, particularly among non-medical students and those without prior training on antibiotic use. These practices pose risks, including adverse drug effects, delayed diagnosis, and contribution to antimicrobial resistance. Targeted educational interventions strengthened training on rational antibiotic use across university programs, and stricter enforcement of prescription-only regulations are recommended to promote safer medicine use.