Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Viewpoints of Undergraduate University Students towards Self-Medication: An Institution-Based Study in Riyadh

Rational and responsible self-medication (SM) is not only the key to better health outcomes, but also key to limiting adverse drug events. This institution-based cross-sectional study utilized seven- and four-item scales to assess the knowledge and attitude towards SM. Similarly, SM practices were measured using eight scale questions consisting of SM practice during the last six months, type of drug consumed, reason and frequency of SM, and so on. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Overall, 371 students completed the questionnaire. The students with a good level of knowledge and positive attitude towards SM were 60.64% and 66.8%, respectively. About 55.5% of students practiced SM during the last six months using antipyretics (37.7%), multivitamins (36.4%), sleeping aids (20.2%), and anti-histamines (18.6%). Headache (79.2%), fever (37.7%), pain (25.9%), and colds and coughs (25.3%) were the illnesses for which they sought SM. The students admitted that drug side effects (75%), drug resistance (33.7%), drug interaction (41.5%), and poor treatment outcome (28.3%) were the consequences of irrational SM practice. Students (87.6%) propose that extending SM awareness through the Ministry of Health (83%) and pharmaceutical companies (48%) as major platforms would improvise the rational practice. Since AlMaarefa University students will be future healthcare professionals, their perception must be considered and accordingly educated to practice rational SM.

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Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics and Antimalarials Among Sudanese Undergraduate University Students

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1345/aph.1k068 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 41 (7-8) ◽

pp. 1249-1255 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Abdelmoneim I Awad ◽

Idris B Eltayeb

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Private University ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Pharmacies ◽

Age Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Undergraduate University Students ◽

Study Population

Background: In many developing countries, up to 60–80% of health problems are self-medicated. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and/or antimalarials and identify factors promoting such use among university students in Sudan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, using a pretested questionnaire on a sample of 1300 students selected from 5 universities in Khartoum State, Sudan. Results: Eight hundred ninety-one (79.5%; 95% CI 77.0 to 81.8) students from the study population had used antibiotics or antimalarials without a prescription within 1–2 months prior to the study. Four hundred ninety (55%; 95% CI 51.7 to 58.3) of the respondents stated that they had used antibiotics, 39 (4.4%; 95% CI 3.2 to 6.0) had used antimalarials, and 362 (40.6%; 95% CI 37.4 to 43.9) had used both. Overall, self-medication with antibiotics or antimalarials was significantly more common among students 21 years of age or older compared with those 20 years of age or younger (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.09; p = 0.004) and among students attending private universities compared with those attending public universities (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.95; p = 0.028). Self-medication with antibiotics followed a simitar pattern, which was significantly more common among students 21 years of age or older (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.81; p = 0.03) and private university respondents (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.02; p = 0.003). Self-medication with antimalarials was found to be significantly less common among females (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.97; p = 0.028) and higher among the 21 years or older age group (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.42 to 2.40; p < 0.001), The most common reason indicated for self-medication was the respondents’ previous experiences with similar ailments. The main source of drugs was community pharmacies. Conclusions: The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics/antimalarials among undergraduate university students in Khartoum State is high. Our findings highlight the need for planning interventions to promote the judicious use of antibiotics/antimicrobials.

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Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a multi‐center facility‐based cross‐sectional study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03647-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maru Mekie ◽

Dagne Addisu ◽

Minale Bezie ◽

Abenezer Melkie ◽

Dejen Getaneh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

First Trimester ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Study Participants ◽

South Gondar

Abstract Background Preeclampsia has the greatest impact on maternal mortality which complicates nearly a tenth of pregnancies worldwide. It is one of the top five maternal mortality causes and responsible for 16 % of direct maternal death in Ethiopia. Little is known about the level of knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia in Ethiopia. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was implemented in four selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone among 423 pregnant women. Multistage random sampling and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the study participants respectively. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 while cleaned and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval were used to identify the significance of the association between the level of knowledge on preeclampsia and its predictors. Results In this study, 118 (28.8 %), 120 (29.3 %) of the study participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards preeclampsia respectively. The likelihood of having good knowledge on preeclampsia was found to be low among women with no education (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI (0.06, 0.85)), one antenatal care visit (ANC) (AOR = 0.13, 95 % CI (0.03, 0.59)). Whereas, those who booked for ANC in the first trimester (AOR = 6.59, 95 % CI (1.43, 30.33)), gave the last birth at a health facility (AOR = 2.61, 955 CI (1.03, 6.61)), and experienced a complication during previous births (AOR = 3.67, 95 % CI (1.78, 7.57)) were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Conclusions No formal education and not attending four ANC visits were associated with poor knowledge of preeclampsia. While participants who visited health facilities during the first trimester, who gave birth at health facilities, and those who experienced a complication in previous births were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Improving the numbers of ANC visits and encouraging facility delivery are important measures to improve women’s knowledge on preeclampsia. Health education regarding preeclampsia risk factors, symptoms, and complications shall be emphasized.

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LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ON DEMENTIA CARE AMONG NURSES

The Malaysian Journal of Nursing ◽

10.31674/mjn.2021.v13i02.001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Chong Kar Lim ◽

Chang Woan Ching ◽

Leow Jing Jun ◽

Ling Yun

Keyword(s):

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Attitude Scale ◽

Dementia Care ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Training Strategy ◽

Healthcare Settings ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Knowledge And Attitude

Background: It is a concern in meeting patients’ needs with a high prevalence of dementia across the world. However, dementia care has always been neglected. Nurses are expected to be capable of being able to care for people with dementia. Purpose: This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and attitude on dementia care and their association among nurses at a private hospital. Methods: This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire using Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) were adopted in the study. In this study, a simple random sampling method was used to recruit 102 nurses. Results: Findings show that nurses have poor knowledge (M=23.59, SD=6.79) but with a positive attitude (M=98.99, SD=12.08) on dementia care. There is no association between level of knowledge and attitude in dementia care (p> .05) among nurses. Conclusions: The educators, policy makers and administrators in healthcare settings are recommended to provide a support system and training strategy for nurses to improve their knowledge in caring for patients with dementia. Future study may be considered to examine the influencing factors and barriers related to dementia care.

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Self-Medication amongst the university students of Multan, Pakistan- A questionnaire based survey

Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.22200/pjpr.20162142-145 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 142 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Samman Chughtai

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Response Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Common Condition ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

The University

Self-medication is a common incidence in the world today. This study aims to evaluate self-medication among university students of Multan, Pakistan. This randomized cross sectional study was carried out in Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan during December 2015- January 216. A sample size of 200 students was randomly selected. Response rate was 90% (n=182).The prevalence of self-medication among the students was determined to be 83%. There was difference in perception of pharmacy students and students of other professions. Most common condition in which students did self-medication was headache (49.66%; n=75). Students also showed tendency of self-medication in case of herbal and essential oil products (46.35%). Awareness concerning insecurity and benefits of self-medication must be spread among students to avoid the complications of self-medication.

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Cosmetic surgeries and procedures among youth in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study of undergraduate university students in the Eastern Province

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139618 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. postgradmedj-2020-139618

Author(s):

Nouf A AlShamlan ◽

Reem S AlOmar ◽

Abdullah Zuhair Al-Sahow ◽

Abeer A AlShamlan ◽

Bayan Mohammed Almir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

University Students ◽

Cosmetic Surgery ◽

Family Income ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Eastern Province ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Undergraduate University Students

Purpose of the studyTo assess the attitudes and acceptance of cosmetic surgeries and procedures among undergraduate university students in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, as well as the barriers against having cosmetic surgeries and procedures.Study designA cross-sectional study of undergraduate university students in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, during October 2020. The research instrument included the Attitudes towards Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS), sociodemographic data and perceived barriers towards cosmetic surgeries and procedures. A bivariate analysis was performed followed by a linear regression to account for confounders.ResultsA total of 1240 students participated in the study. The mean ACSS for cosmetic surgeries was 3.14 (±1.37 SD), and 3.25 (±1.49 SD) for cosmetic procedures. Older students, students with a history of previous cosmetic surgeries/procedures, and students with engineering specialties had more acceptance scores in both cosmetic surgeries and procedures. On the other hand, men, students belonging to a middle family income and students who perceived themselves to be aware of the risk associated with cosmetic surgeries/procedures had less acceptance scores. The most reported barrier to have cosmetic surgeries and procedures among students was feeling that they do not need it.ConclusionThe findings from the current study could help dermatologists, plastic surgeons and adolescent specialists wishing to recognise the rising interest in cosmetic surgeries and procedures in Arabic youth populations, the possible associated factors, as well as the barriers to have these surgeries and procedures. A further qualitative in-depth study to explore the acceptance is suggested.

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Knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation among university students in Basrah, Iraq: A comparison between medical and non-medical students

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3126/ajms.v9i6.20904 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 62-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jasim N Al-Asadi ◽

Asaad Q. Al-Yassen

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Blood Donation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

History Of ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

The University ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: Young students can play a fundamental role in blood donation to save lives of many people. Therefore, studying factors contributing to their knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation is essential.Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Basrah University students about blood donation.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved students of two colleges in Basrah University. It was carried out during the period from January to April 2017. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used in selecting the participants for this study. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude towards blood donation were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire.Results: A total of 422 students were targeted, of these 393 (93.1%) completed the questionnaire.Only 51 (13%) of total respondents had a history of blood donation, of those 64.7% donated only once. The most mentioned reasons behind not donating were; not being asked to donate (24.6%), inconsideration of donation (11.1%), and fear of drawing blood (8.8%). Adequate knowledge was detected in 66.7% and positive attitude in 68.7%. Students of College of Medicine were younger, more knowledgeable, and donate more than those of College of Administration and Economics.Conclusion: A substantial number of the university students had inadequate blood donation knowledge. Education programs and motivational campaigns should be enhanced.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(6) 2018 62-67

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Knowledge and Attitude of University Students on Antibiotics: A Cross-sectional Study in Malaysia

Drug Healthcare and Patient Safety ◽

10.2147/dhps.s253301 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol Volume 12 ◽

pp. 135-144

Author(s):

Ting Wei Tiong ◽

Siew Siang Chua

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitude

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Poor level of knowledge on elderly care despite positive attitude among nursing students in Zanzibar Island: findings from a cross-sectional study

BMC Nursing ◽

10.1186/s12912-020-00488-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Arafa A. Muhsin ◽

Mariam J. Munyogwa ◽

Stephen M. Kibusi ◽

Saada A. Seif

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Elderly Care ◽

Elderly Person ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Knowledge And Attitude

Abstract Background It is estimated by the year 2050, 80% of the global elderly population will be from the low-and middle income countries. Elderly care requires health workers with skills associated with an understanding of the biological, psychological, social and cultural theories related to aging. Nurses with better knowledge, skills and positive attitudes towards elderly care are highly needed and critically important for better healthcare and wellbeing of the elderly population. Therefore the objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards elderly care in Zanzibar Island. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zanzibar involving three out of five nursing training institutions. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling. Facts on Aging Quiz 2 and Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People scale were used to assess the level of knowledge and attitude towards elderly care among the students respectively. Simple and multivariable logistic regressions were applied to determine the predictors of knowledge and attitude among the participants. Results A total of 393 students participated in this study. Only 17% (69) of the participants had good level of knowledge and about 67.9% (267) had positive attitude towards elderly care. Living in an extended family and with an elderly person at home were both associated with good level of knowledge and positive attitude towards elderly care. Furthermore, living in a rural area (adjusted odds ratio = 2.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.22, 4.10) and studying at public institution (adjusted odds ratio = 2.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.41, 4.63) were associated with positive attitude towards elderly care. Conclusion This study has shown that the majority of nursing students in Zanzibar have positive attitude but poor level of knowledge towards elderly care. The current findings have demonstrated that past experience with an elderly person can help in influencing good knowledge and shaping positive attitudes towards elderly care. Low level of knowledge shown in the study suggests for further research on adequacy of nursing curriculum and/or its implementation.

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