Self-medication practices among final-year medical students: a cross-sectional survey in a tertiary hospital

IntroductionSelf-medication, defined as the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms without professional supervision, is a common practice worldwide and represents an important public health concern.Although responsible self-medication may play a role in healthcare by improving access to treatment for minor ailments, inappropriate self-medication is associated with significant risks, including inappropriate drug selection, incorrect dosing, incorrect duration of use, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), drug-drug interactions and the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) [1,2].The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes selfmedication as a component of self-care but strongly cautions against its unregulated practice, particularly in low-and middle-income countries where over-thecounter access to prescription medicines is common [3].A substantial body of literature has documented a high prevalence of self-medication among university students and healthcare trainees across different regions of the world.Studies conducted in India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Europe, and other countries consistently report that medical students frequently engage in self-medication practices, often using analgesics, antipyretics, antihistamines and antibiotics without medical consultation [4,5].The reported prevalence of self-medication among medical students ranges widely, reflecting differences in healthcare systems, regulatory environments and cultural practices, but remains consistently high across settings.Despite their formal medical training, medical