Sonographic Evaluation of Fetal Growth Patterns in Relation to Family Behavior towards the Mother

Purpose: Self-medication, the use of medicines without professional consultation, is a growing public health concern, especially among young adults.Although it may offer convenience, inappropriate use can lead to adverse effects, antibiotic resistance, and drug dependence.To assess the perceptions and practices of self-medication among university students in Lahore, Pakistan.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 584 university students (292 medical and 292 non-medical) in Lahore using a nonprobability convenience sampling technique.The sample size was calculated based on P₁ = 86% (selfmedication for headache among medical students) and P₂ = 77% (among non-medical students), with 80% power, a 5% margin of error, and a 95% confidence level.Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding selfmedication.Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis.Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants.Results: Self-medication was reported by 98.6% of students, with a higher prevalence among males (62.7%) than females (37.3%).While 75% of participants recognized that some drugs require a prescription and 63.7% were aware of potential adverse drug reactions, 78.8% considered selfmedication safe.Common reasons for selfmedication included time-saving, quick relief, and perceiving the condition as minor.Frequently used drug categories were painkillers, antibiotics, antipyretics, and cold and flu remedies.About 56.5% of participants read medication leaflets, and 53.6% reported using antibiotics without prescription.Fever, headache, and cough/cold were the most common self-treated symptoms within the past six months.Conclusion: Self-medication was highly prevalent among university students, with significant reliance on antibiotics and analgesics.Despite awareness of potential risks, misconceptions about safety and convenience persist.Educational initiatives are urgently needed to promote rational and responsible medication use among young adults.