Prevalence of Self-Medication among Urban Population Participating Community Pharmacies

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is defined as the individuals who used to treat self-recognized symptoms or illnesses
using and selecting traditional, herbal medicine products. Self-medication permits the consumer or patient to take
an active role. However, it is not a completely safe health character, particularly in the irresponsible or unreliable
practice cases. Incorrect self-diagnosis, adverse reactions, masking of severe disease, incorrect dosage, and incorrect
choice of therapy, drug interactions, dependence, and abuse are the potential risks of self-medication. Objective: The
objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of self-medication in urban population and to identify any
factors contributing to self-medication in relation to assess the attitude, perception, and knowledge of consumers
toward self-medication. Materials and Methods: Our study was a cross-sectional survey which was conducted
over 12 weeks from the month February to May in Jeddah city, K.S.A. Self-administered, validated questionnaire
was used to collect the data and questionnaire was designed by reviewing the available research literature. It was
designed in the English and Arabic language. Results: A total of 1036 peoples participated in the survey. Most
responders were female (59.26%) and the males were 40.73%, the participants were predominantly in the age group
of 25–40 years which were 38.41%. About 94.11% of participants are answered in Arabic and 5.88% were answered
in English language. The most common medications consumed without prescriptions were painkillers (93.05%). The
reasons for self-medications were health problems which were not serious (67.18%). Conclusion: In the study of
rational drug use, assessment of self-medication is most important element. The observation of this research should
form the basis for future interventional plans to increase benefits and decrease risks. In Saudi Arabia, community
pharmacies have the potential to make a great impact in ensuring medicines which are properly utilized.