THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA-SPECIFIC EPISTEMOLOGICAL BELIEFS AND RATIONAL DRUG USE KNOWLEDGE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between social media-specific epistemological beliefs (SMEB) and rational drug use (RDU) knowledge, as well as to determine whether social media-specific epistemological beliefs are a predictor of rational drug use knowledge in university undergraduate students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional design with university students studying in non-health fields. A total of 644 students were included in the study. The data were collected between October 9 and December 1, 2023. Data were collected using the Personal Data Identification Form, the SMEB Scale and the RDU Scale. Simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine whether SMEB are a predictor of knowledge of RDU. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify other predictors of knowledge of rational drug use. RESULTS: A positive relationship was determined between SMEB and RDU knowledge (r = 0.374; p = 0.000). SMEB were found to be a positive predictor of RDU knowledge (B = 0.225; P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SMEB were found to be a positive predictor of RDU knowledge. According to this result, improving students' SMEB beliefs could be an effective way to enhance their knowledge of RDU.