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The Practice of Self-Medication at University of Turbat

Abstract:
Self-medication is a global issue that causes people to identify and cure illnesses by their own
self without consulting a doctor. This study explores the variables impacting students' use of self-
medication, with a particular emphasis on the University of Turbat (UOT). Utilizing a
quantitative methodology, questionnaires were used to gather data from one hundred students,
providing insights into the timing of self-medication, the prevalence of online self-diagnosis, and
the influence of financial, Psychological and economical situations. The results show that 78% of
respondents are significantly influenced by online health information, and there is a slight view
of the role played by the media and the government in public awareness initiatives. To guarantee
that patients are making educated decisions about their own medication, specific educational
programs, a focus on responsible self-care, and an advocacy for greater patient-provider
collaboration are among the recommendations. The study recommends insightful information
about the dynamics of self-medication among UOT students, providing a foundation for wise
choices and viable interventions to encourage responsible and informed self-medication
behaviors.

Keywords: Self-medication, Practice of Self-medication, Psychological Issues, Economic

Problems
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Introduction
Self-medication is a widespread problem on a global scale. Self-medication has resulted
in a great number of people who, without the involvement of a doctor, diagnose themselves for
conditions including headaches, the flu, muscular aches, etc. Wen, W., Wang, L., & Cui, Y.
(2022). Studies a wide range of factors, including age, sex, income, education, religion, marital
status, and pharmacy leftovers at home and drug stores, influence students' self-medication
practices. Among students in Asia, the revalues of self-medication range from 71.7 percent to
95.3 percent in the middle fast, 64.8 percent to 77.2 percent in Africa, 24 percent to 91.4 percent,
and so on. There is no evidence to support the claim that self-medication is continued all over the
world.
According to Mehmood, A et al. (2016). It is defined by (WHO) that “self-medication involves
the use of medicinal products by the consumer to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms the
intermittent or continued use of medication prescribed by a physician for symptoms (p.26)”. The
World Health Organization (WHO) has affirmed that utilizing these medications improperly and
in an unsafe manner is what is meant to be done with SMA. Furthermore, the WHO says that a
large number of individuals who use antibiotics for themselves do so without sufficient
knowledge of dosage, which causes them to be used temporarily and contributes to the
emergence of drug resistance. In addition, the WHO noted that a substantial percentage of the
general populace engages in self-medication with antibiotics, or SMA. Because the general
public frequently lacks adequate knowledge about antimicrobial agents and has a poor
comprehension of the process of infection in diseases. As a result, the general public frequently
uses antimicrobial drugs because they heed the counsel of others. Thus, the improper use of
medicine which leading the cause of resistance and results of highest rate of using self-
medication in lay public low- and middle-income countries (Bennadi, 2013). Nonetheless, in
Pakistan, people who were ill either self-medicated or, with the help of their friends, looked up
recipes online or in magazines, all without visiting a doctor. Because of this, individuals practice
making inaccurate diagnoses rather than consulting a genuine physician. People migrate around
the world, taking with them customs, beliefs, and behaviors from other nations, including self-
medication. Programs that raise knowledge about self-medication practices may be able to assist
moms in using medications in a safe and responsible manner for the benefit of their kids. As a
result, these little illnesses eventually transform into pandemics. Thus, it is somewhat accepted
based on these beliefs that self-medication is dangerous (Fainzang, 2014). The goal of the
research is to examine every single self-medication behavior that people engage in on a regular
basis.
In addition, this phenomenon has a long history and has changed throughout time in response to
sociocultural, technological, and economic shifts. Throughout history, communities have
frequently relied on inherited home cures and traditional remedies to treat common illnesses.
However, factors including simple access to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, the extensive
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availability of health information on the internet, and an increasing tendency for self-reliance in
managing one's health all have a big impact on modern self-medication ( Bennadi, D: 2013). The
surge in self-medication brings up important questions about appropriate drug usage, possible
antibiotic overuse that leads to antibiotic resistance, and the financial effects of people forgoing
professional medical care. To promote safe and responsible healthcare practices, it is imperative
to design educated public health initiatives that take into account the motives, actions, and
repercussions related with self-medication. Lastly, Turbat is a city that is situated in southern
Balochistan, Pakistan which is the main concern of this study. As earlier defined that self-
medication is the practice where one uses self-practice to cure one. However, in this regard
Turbat is one of the place where more than one among third medicate his/her self-medication.
Hence, the focus of this research is to utilize the usage of self-medication among the student of
University of Turbat.

Literature Review
At the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, Petrovic et al. (2022) investigated self-medication
among first- and final-year medical and pharmacy students. The percentage of final-year students
who reported self-medicating was higher than that of first-year students (94.8%). Based on past
treatment experiences, students were confident in their ability to self-diagnose and the main
causes were flu, cold, and bodily discomfort feelings. They thought both conventional and herbal
therapies were effective, so they used them. Yasmin et al. (2022) examined medical students' use
of self-medication during the COVID-19 epidemic. During the pandemic, self-medication
increased from 76% in 2008 to 99%. Most often, paracetamol was utilized. For fever (67.9%),
sore throat (46.6%), muscle soreness (54.0%), exhaustion (51.7%), and cough (44.4%), students
took medication on their own. Higher practice rates were seen among female students,
particularly among those who heavily utilized self-medication and had signs of COVID-19.
Nepal and Bhatta (2018) pointed out that because it's common to buy and use antibiotics without
a prescription, micro infections continue to be a major cause of death in Southeast Asia. Across
the globe, self-medication with antibiotics continues to be a popular healthcare strategy despite
the acknowledged hazards, which include increasing disease rates and improper drug usage.
Common illnesses including fevers, colds, and other common symptoms are frequently the cause
of this practice. Self-medication is widely used because it is perceived as a cost-effective method
to save time and money. This is due in part to ignorance about the severity of illnesses and a
preference for less expensive drugs over doctor visits. Dare et al. (2021) examined behavioral
reactions to lockdowns and self-medication techniques in western Uganda during the COVID-19
epidemic. Worldwide, the epidemic caused severe changes to people's everyday routines and
activities. The WHO emphasized that during lockdowns, people could be better equipped to
manage their health by taking adequate self-medication. But the WHO also stressed that,
especially in countries where drug control does not exist, systematic and precise education on
self-medication is necessary to prevent problems like drug resistance that result from improper
drug usage. Ali et al. (2016) investigated Pakistani mothers' self-medication habits for their kids
as a result of global migration. The study's findings were obtained from 23 immigrant mothers
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who were approximately 3.25 years old when they were interviewed in Urdu. The mothers
frequently treated young children at home before seeing a medical practitioner, frequently as a
result of bad experiences in the past. Family members working in the medical field and drugs
they imported from Pakistan had a big impact on their self-medication habits. The study made
clear the necessity of self-medication awareness campaigns to guarantee kids use their
medications in a responsible and safe manner. Aziz et al. (2018) talked about how common self-
medication is in Pakistan's medical system. They observed that a large number of people choose
to self-medicate without visiting a doctor, and they attributed this behavior to a variety of factors,
including socioeconomic status, personal traits, and the healthcare system. Though its
detrimental effects are known, this trend leads to a rise in avoidable illnesses. The fact that 79%
of Pakistan's population receives primary care from the private sector may be a factor in the
country's widespread use of self-medication. Self-medication is so accessible that people
frequently turn to it despite being aware of its harmful effects. The high frequency of self-
medication among South Indian medical students, as reported by Kumar et al. (2013),
underscores the necessity of focused instructional initiatives. According to the survey, a sizable
portion of students self-medicate, which highlights the need for programs to advance awareness
and safe self-medication techniques. There have been concerns expressed about the rising
number of antibiotics being used unsupervised by doctors, highlighting the need for strict
enforcement of rules controlling the availability of prescription medications. The study provides
a framework for further investigation and the formulation of policy intended to promote safer
and more educated self-medication practices among medical students and the general public. In a
descriptive survey done in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal, Ghimire et al. (2023) found
that 78% of participants admitted to using prescription pharmaceuticals without a doctor's
prescription in the three months’ prior, indicating the common practice of self-medication. Self-
medication was done for a variety of reasons, such as mild illnesses, past experiences with
related problems, and time constraints that prevented clinic appointments. Frequent ailments for
which people self-medicated were headaches, fever, gastritis, and colds. The most common drug
types used for self-medication were antipyretics, NSAIDs, and antic old remedies. It's interesting
to note that the study discovered a correlation between higher levels of education and a higher
tendency to self-medicate. Pregnant women are particularly affected by the global concern of
self-medication during pregnancy. In the Olaitan Zone in southern Ethiopia, Lerango et al.'s
study from 2023 found that 14.9% of pregnant women self-medicated. The main reasons given
were time-saving and emergency scenarios. It's interesting to note that third-trimester pregnant
women showed decreased rates of self-medication, although those who had self-medicated in the
past were more likely to do so again. In order to protect the health of expectant mothers and
fetuses, the study emphasizes how urgent it is to address the hazards connected with self-
medication during pregnancy and to support health education and legal measures. In rural
Southwest Shewa, Ethiopia, Tujuba et al.'s cross-sectional survey from 2023 revealed that 19.8%
of pregnant women had self-medicated during their pregnancies. Self-medication was linked to a
number of factors, such as husbands with lower educational levels, awareness of gestational age,
and closeness to medical services. The research highlights how important a husband's pregnancy
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knowledge, education, and proximity to healthcare facilities are in influencing whether or not
pregnant women in rural areas choose to self-medicate.

Significant of the study

This study's contribution to comprehending and resolving particular problems or knowledge gaps
makes it significant. By concentrating on University of Turbat students, the study hopes to offer
insightful information about variables, practices, or patterns pertinent to this specific group. The
results can affect teaching methods, university policy, or the welfare of students. Furthermore,
the study might be used as a starting point for additional research in related circumstances or as a
benchmark for comparisons with studies conducted in other contexts. The study's overall value
stems from its ability to produce knowledge that can enhance decision-making, expand
understanding, or improve practices both within and outside of the University of Turbat.

Research objectives
1) To find out the practices of self-medicating among the student of University of Turbat.
2) To utilize the economic issues of self-medication at UOT.
3) To create awareness among the students to prevent the practices of self-medicating

Method and procedure

This study's research design uses a quantitative framework and descriptive approach to examine
University of Turbat students' self-medicating activities. The University of Turbat is the only
focus of the research, and the main method of gathering data for this study was giving
questionnaires to a sample of one hundred students, both male and female. A random sample
technique called probability sampling was used to guarantee an impartial and representative
selection of participants. Social media networks were utilized to aid the distribution of the poll,
so guaranteeing a broad response. The study's validity and reliability were increased by the use
of SPSS software to evaluate quantitative data obtained through online surveys. In accordance
with the University of Turbat's ethical principles, participants' privacy, wellbeing, and informed
consent were given first priority. The research aimed to contribute valuable insights into self-
medication practices while maintaining a commitment to responsible and respectful research
procedures.

Findings
The examination of the supplied tables provides a thorough grasp of the attitudes and practices
related to self-medication among the people who were polled. Remarkably, the information
about the timing of medications indicates a common inclination for a particular time, with 58%
of participants choosing time 3. The comparison of self-diagnosis and self-medication habits
highlights how popular online self-diagnosis is: 51% of participants either self-diagnose or do
not self-diagnose. The majority of respondents (78%) say that internet healthcare information
influenced their decision to self-medicate, highlighting the importance of taking nuanced
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approaches when addressing a range of viewpoints. Sixty-seven percent of respondents believe

that economic circumstances have an impact on the practices of self-medication.

Frequency Table
Characteristics of the respondents: N-100

Indicators Frequency Percent Cumulative

Percent
Gender
Female 48 48.0 48.0
Male 52 52.0 100.0
Location
Rural 40 40.0 40.0
Suburban 9 9.0 49.0
Urban 51 51.0 100.0
Engaged in self-medication without a prescription.
No 20 20.0 22.0
Yes 78 78.0 100.0
Factors influencing self-medication decisions.
Allergies 10 10.0 10.0
Cold/Flu 12 12.0 22.0
Digestive issues 11 11.0 33.0
Headaches 38 38.0 71.0
Pain (e.g., back pain, muscle pain) 20 20.0 91.0
Skin conditions (e.g., rashes) 9 9.0 100.0
Decision-making process for self-medication
Advice from family or friends 37 37.0 37.0
Information found online or on social media 20 20.0 57.0
Lack of access to a healthcare professional 16 16.0 73.0
Other (please specify): 1 1.0 74.0
Prior experience with similar symptoms 26 26.0 100.0
Common methods of self-medication.
Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, yoga) 14 14.0 15.0
Herbal remedies (e.g., traditional remedies) 20 20.0 35.0
Home remedies 30 30.0 65.0
Other (please specify): 1 1.0 66.0
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications 34 34.0 100.0
Consultation with healthcare professionals before self-medicating.
No 77 77.0 79.0
Yes 21 21.0 100.0
Experienced adverse effects from self-medication.
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No 49 49.0 50.0
Yes 50 50.0 100.0
Opinion on more regulations for self-medication.
No 28 28.0 30.0
Yes 70 70.0 100.0
Typical time for self-medication.

Evening 20 20.0 20.0

Morning 22 22.0 42.0
Night 58 58.0 100.0
Self-diagnosis using online platforms before self-medicating.
No 49 49.0 52.0
Yes 48 48.0 100.0
Impact of internet healthcare information on self-medication decisions.
Minimal 12 12.0 13.0
None 10 10.0 23.0
Significant 38 38.0 61.0
Some 39 39.0 100.0
Opinion on economic factors contributing to self-medication.
No 19 19.0 19.0
Not sure 33 33.0 52.0
Yes 48 48.0 100.0
Primary reason for choosing self-medication: Familiarity with symptoms.
Convenience 10 10.0 11.0
Cost 10 10.0 21.0
Familiarity with symptoms 32 32.0 53.0
Lack of access to healthcare professionals 13 13.0 66.0
Other (please specify): 1 1.0 67.0
Perceived minor ailments 1 1.0 68.0
Previous positive experiences 9 9.0 77.0
Privacy concerns 7 7.0 84.0
Trust in home remedies 16 16.0 100.0
Types of pain relievers typically used
Other (please specify): 2 2.0 2.0
Panadol (paracetamol) 58 58.0 60.0
Risek (Omeprazole for stomach) 19 19.0 79.0
Sangobion (iron-complex use for weakness) 6 6.0 85.0
Tenormin (BP) 12 12.0 97.0
Zopan (mefenamic acid) 3 3.0 100.0
Government awareness about misuse of self-medication.
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Agree 37 37.0 37.0

Disagree 2 2.0 39.0
Neutral 10 10.0 49.0
Strongly Agree 50 50.0 99.0
Strongly Disagree 1 1.0 100.0
Media's role in reducing self-medication practices

Agree 41 41.0 42.0

Disagree 7 7.0 49.0
Neutral 22 22.0 71.0
Strongly Agree 27 27.0 98.0
Strongly Disagree 2 2.0 100.0
Understanding the symptoms is by far the main incentive (32%), underscoring the variety of
variables affecting people's decisions to self-medicate. The need of providing a range of pain
management alternatives is highlighted by the varying preferences in pain medication
consumption (58% utilizing a combination). Targeted public health campaigns may be possible,
as indicated by the majority of respondents (87%) who either favor or have no view about the
government's involvement in increasing awareness. 69% of respondents are either neutral or in
agreement with the media's influence, suggesting a nuanced viewpoint on using the media to
prevent self-medication. All things considered, these results offer critical information for
developing interventions, medical guidelines, and public awareness campaigns that support the
community under study's safe and knowledgeable self-medication practices.

Discussion and Conclusion

The study offers a thorough summary of the various demographics' self-diagnoses practices.
Researchers Petrovic et al. (2022) in Serbia, Yasmin et al. (2022) during the COVID-19
pandemic, and Nepal and Bhatta (2018) in Southeast Asia have all studied the rates and causes of
self-medication; however, they have found that self-diagnosis confidence and the efficacy of
conventional and herbal therapies are common factors. Aziz et al. (2018) and Kumar et al. (2013)
provided information on the prevalence of self-medication in South India and Pakistan,
respectively, mentioning variables such problems with the healthcare system and socioeconomic
position. Notable consistencies are revealed when these findings are compared to the survey
data. Participants in the poll demonstrate a tendency to self-medicate at particular times (58%
choose time 3) and a notable dependence on self-diagnosis on the internet (51%). For the
majority of respondents (78%), internet-based healthcare information has a substantial impact on
their decision to self-medicate. The fact that 67% of respondents say that economic factors have
an influence on self-medication behaviors highlights how complex decision-making is.
Reliability of symptoms is identified as a major motivator, accounting for 32% of the reasons
why people self-medicate. The requirement for a variety of pain management options is shown
by the varying preferences in the use of pain medications (58% utilizing a combination). A
complicated viewpoint on using these channels for awareness is suggested by respondents'
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nuanced opinions on media impact (69% neutral or in agreement) and government engagement
(87% either favoring or having no opinion).
To sum up, the integration of existing research and survey data provides significant
understanding of the similarities and variations in self-medication behaviors. To encourage safe
and knowledgeable self-medication behaviors within the studied community, the findings can
drive targeted initiatives, medical guidelines, and public awareness campaigns.
In conclusion, the study focuses on the global issue of self-medication, specifically among
students at the University of Turbat. Self-medication, without consulting a physician, is a
prevalent practice driven often by the belief that it can effectively heal minor ailments such as
fever, headaches, and the flu. The study aims to provide light on the psychological and financial
ramifications of self-medication among college students. The significance of the study lies in its
potential to influence legislative and educational policies that promote the proper and safe use of
pharmaceuticals. Through the use of SPSS software for data analysis, the study guarantees a
methodical and genuine investigation of the attitudes and practices around self-medication. The
literature review emphasizes the pervasiveness of self-medication across various demographic
groups, its worldwide nature, and the risks involved. The goals of the study are to identify the
self-medication habits of University of Turbat students, evaluate the financial consequences of
self-medication, and raise awareness of the need to stop self-medication. The theory and earlier
study results add to the corpus of information already available on self-medication. The study's
quantitative and descriptive methodology makes use of social media-distributed questionnaires
that are SPSS-analyzed. The study ends with a review of the main conclusions, highlighting their
importance for creating treatments and encouraging safe self-medication practices among
university students. Ethical considerations and limits are recognized.

Recommendation
Future study on focused educational interventions to increase understanding about the possible
hazards and advantages connected with self-medication is advised, given the complexity
surrounding the practice. Campaigns for public health and educational initiatives should
emphasize the value of responsible self-care and stress the need to speak with medical
professionals before beginning any self-medication. Furthermore, healthcare professionals ought
to be at the forefront of patient education, providing unambiguous instructions on how to take
over-the-counter medications and how they might mix with current prescriptions. The creation
and distribution of easily accessed and trustworthy information might minimize the possible risks
related to self-medication while enabling people to make knowledgeable decisions about their
health.
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