Self-medication practices and associated factors among medical students in Iraq

Background: Self-Medication (SM), the use of medications without professional guidance, is a common practice with both potential benefits and risks. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of SM and identify associated factors among Iraqi medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional design employing a self-administered questionnaire was used to survey medical students from various Iraqi universities. The questionnaire assessed demographics, SM practices, reason for SM, and information sources used. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics to summarize key characteristics of the data, while chi-square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables.Results: The study included 454 participants, with a female predominance (74.4%). A high prevalence of SM(75.8%) was found. Females reported significantly higher SM rates than males (82.2% vs. 56.9%). The most common reasons for SM were headache (33.2%), flu (20.5%), and menstrual discomfort (22.5%). Pharmacists were the primary source of information for SM (27.5%), followed by relatives/friends (15.6%) and the internet (11.0%). Notably, 26.7% reported using no information source before self-medicating. Students in urban areas exhibited a significantly higher association with SM than rural students.Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of SM among Iraqi medical students. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote safe and responsible SM practices within this population group. Educational programs encouraging students to consult healthcare professionals before self-medicating, particularly for conditions beyond minor ailments, are crucial to minimizing potential risks and ensuring optimal health outcomes.