Statistical modeling of health conditions influencing self-medication practices with antimicrobial drugs among health science students in Ghana

In developing countries, many individuals resort to self-medication due to limited access to modern healthcare for treating various health conditions. This practice contributes to antimicrobial resistance and inappropriate use of medications. It is essential to study self-medication among health science students since they are the future healthcare professionals who will be responsible for prescribing medications and educating patients about treatments. This study investigated health conditions influencing self-medication with antimicrobial drugs among university health science students in Ghana. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2024 to collect data from 300 health-related students at a tertiary institution in Ghana using a random sampling technique. The maximum difference model was used in this study to analyze students’ preferences by examining their most and least important choices. Upper respiratory tract infections (utility estimate (UE): 0.449; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.375, 0.522) and sore throat (UE: 0.345; 95% CI: 0.270, 0.419) were the most common conditions driving self-medication, while stomach ache (UE: -0.477; 95% CI: -0.550, -0.403) and sexually transmitted diseases (UE: -0.367; 95% CI: -0.441, -0.292) were less likely to prompt self-medication. The findings of this study revealed that students often self-medicate to treat health conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, sore throats, urinary tract infections, and body aches. Stricter regulations should be implemented for the dispensing of antimicrobial medications. University authorities should encourage responsible usage by incorporating this topic into the students’ curricula. This approach will ensure that students understand the consequences of misuse, the risks associated with self-medication, and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals. These measures will support efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.