PREVALENCE, PATTERNS, AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SELF-MEDICATION WITH ANALGESICS AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS IN AL-HILLA, IRAQ

This study assesses the prevalence and pattern of self-medication with analgesics in Al-Hilla, Iraq across pharmacy students. Self-medication known as the utilization of medicines without consulting a doctor, encompassing utilization of old prescriptions or directly buying drugs from pharmacies. The aim of our study is to detect the prevalence of self- medication with analgesics across and determine the common factors influencing their decision to self-medicate. The current study was a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire distributed to 118 pharmacy students from different academic years in Al-Hilla. Data were collected on the use of analgesics, sources of information, and reasons for self-medication. The results showed that around 95% of the students practiced self-medication with analgesics such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Pharmacists were the primary source of information. The most common reason for self-medication was the belief that the illness was mild. Some students did not follow the instructions properly, leading to adverse effects. The conclusion of the study showed that self-medication with analgesics is more common across pharmacy students, highlighting the need for focusing on enhancing education and awareness regarding the safe use of medications to minimize the probable negative effects.