Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Self-Medication among Nursing Students
Keywords:
Self-Medication, Nursing Students, Knowledge, Practice, Attitude, Public Hospitals.Abstract
Background: Self-medication is a common practice among healthcare students and may lead to irrational drug use, adverse drug reactions, and drug dependency if practiced without proper knowledge. Nursing students are more likely to engage in self-medication because of their medical exposure and easy access to medicines.
Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude regarding self-medication among nursing students working and studying in public hospitals.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used among 245 nursing students selected from Services Nursing College and Sir Gangaram Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic information and questions related to knowledge, practice, and attitude regarding self-medication. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used for data analysis.
Results: The findings showed that the majority of participants were females (82.9%) and belonged to the age group of 21–24 years (64.5%). Panadol was the most commonly used medicine for self-medication (65.7%). Participants demonstrated moderate knowledge (Mean = 2.89), moderate practice (Mean = 2.65), and moderate attitude (Mean = 2.75) regarding self-medication. Convenience, quick relief, and confidence in medication knowledge were common reasons for self-medication practices.
Conclusion: The study concluded that self-medication is highly prevalent among nursing students, with moderate knowledge, practice, and attitudes toward medication use. Educational interventions and awareness programs are necessary to promote rational drug use and safe medication practices.
