Medical knowledge or misjudgment? Examining Self-Medication among Medical Students in Urban India

Background: Self-medication is a widespread practice among medical students, influenced by their academic exposure and accessibility to medications. While it may offer convenience, self-medication poses risks, including adverse drug reactions and the misuse of antibiotics. The objective is to assess the prevalence of self-medication among urban Indian medical students and identify the sources and factors contributing to this practice. Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2024 at Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 400 first- and second-year undergraduate students from MBBS, BDS, and BPT programs. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic details, self-medication practices, and sources of medications. Data were analyzed to identify trends and key factors. Results:  The prevalence of self-medication was high among the participants, with 74.72% sourcing medications from pharmacist’s/chemist stores. Other notable sources included home supplies (26.39%) and advice from family doctors (23.42%). Less frequently used sources were older prescriptions (8.17%) and medications obtained from others (2.60%). Interestingly, 14.43% of participants reported not engaging in self-medication. Conclusion: Self-medication is a common practice among medical students, driven by easy access to pharmacies and familiarity with medical knowledge. However, the risks associated with self-medication, such as inappropriate drug use and potential adverse reactions, underscore the need for targeted educational interventions. Incorporating modules on safe medication practices into medical curricula could mitigate these risks and promote responsible behavior among future healthcare professionals.