Self-medication with herbal remedies and pharmaceuticals for COVID-19 among healthcare students in Maputo

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread self-medication, posing substantial public health risks. Healthcare students represent a critical population to study, as their self-care practices may influence their future professional behavior and patient guidance. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of self-medication with herbal remedies and conventional medicines for COVID-19 among healthcare students in Maputo, Mozambique. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in November 2022 among students from Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), the Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Mozambique (ISCTEM) and the Higher Institute of Health Sciences (ISCISA). Among 390 eligible respondents, 83.6% reported self-medicating for COVID-19: A total of 78.7% used herbal remedies, with 23 plant species and one commercial herbal mixture identified. Eucalyptus sp. was the most prevalent (68.2%) used mainly for steam inhalation, followed by lemon (60.5%), ginger (41.3%), garlic (22.1%), and onion (16.2%). Conventional medicines were used by 34.9%, with azithromycin being the most frequent (20.3%). Paracetamol, various antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories were also commonly reported. Notably, 30% of students used both herbal and conventional remedies. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational interventions within healthcare curricula to address potential misinformation, highlight the risks of antimicrobial resistance, and promote evidence-based practices among future health professionals.