Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Self Medication among MedicalStudents of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Introduction:self-medication is a double-edged sword the proper application of which is appreciatedby the world health organization (who) guidelines since it can reduce the unnecessarypressure on the health care system. however, self-medication can lead to severeconsequences if utilized inappropriately. furthermore, self-medication practice is animportant social health issue in medical students as educated people and would-bephysicians. this study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of selfmedicationin medical students of mashhad university of medical sciences, mashhad,iran.materials and methods:this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 296 medical students atdistinct levels of education. the data were analyzed in spss software (version 26).results:based on the findings, more than 80% of the students were aware of the complications,drug interactions, and importance of accurate use; however, only 9.1% and 27% of theparticipants were aware of the side-effects of herbal medicine and dietary supplements,respectively. out of the total 296 participants, 83.5% of the cases declared that they didcare about the side effects of medicines, and 81.3% of the students believed that amedical degree was essential for medicine prescription. in a confrontation with minorailments, 21.9% of the cases practiced self-medication, and the majority (57.4%) of theused medicines were painkillers. the main reasons for self-medication was theunderestimation of the disease (57.8%). moreover, positive attitudes toward the safetyof self-medication (p=0.04) and knowledge about medicine (p<0.001) were the majorreasons for the self-medication practice in senior students, compared to juniors.however, no significant difference was found between seniors and juniors in terms ofself-medication practice (p=0.85).conclusion:regarding the adverse effects of self-medication, drug dependency, microbialresistance, and high prevalence of self-medication among participants, it is suggestedto provide educational programs on the adverse effects of self-medication. in addition,appropriate measures should be taken to control and prevent an easy access tomedications.