PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES OF UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS TOWARD SELF-MEDICATION IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a common global practice and is increasingly prevalent among healthcare students, including nursing undergraduates, due to their accessibility to medical knowledge and drugs. While it may provide temporary relief, inappropriate self-medication poses significant risks such as incorrect dosage, drug interactions, and masking of serious illnesses. Understanding nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward self-medication is crucial, as these future healthcare providers may carry such behaviors into their professional practice. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 160 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at FMH College of Nursing, Lahore. Data were collected using a structured and validated self-administered questionnaire assessing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding self-medication. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data. Results: About 70% of students reported self-medication in the last year, most commonly relying on pharmacists (59.4%) for information, with the majority demonstrating good knowledge (92.5%) and a positive attitude (92.1%). Fever, pain, and cold/cough were the main indications treated with antipyretics, analgesics, vitamins, and antibiotics, while minor illness, quick relief, and emergency needs were key drivers, and concerns included adverse drug reactions, wrong diagnoses, and missed diagnoses. Conclusion: Although BSN students at FMH College of Nursing exhibited good knowledge and favorable attitudes toward self-medication, a considerable number continued to self-medicate without professional consultation. This highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to emphasize the risks of inappropriate drug use and to promote responsible health-seeking behaviors.