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Self-Medication Perceptions and Practice of Medical and Pharmacy Students in Serbia

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Tomas Petrović

    (Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Nebojša Pavlović

    (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Nebojša Stilinović

    (Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Nikola Lalović

    (Psychiatry Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Milica Paut Kusturica

    (Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Tihomir Dugandžija

    (Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Dragana Zaklan

    (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Olga Horvat

    (Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

Abstract

Background. Attitudes towards conventional and complementary medicine among future healthcare professionals can impact their future pharmacotherapy practice. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors related to self-medication among medical and pharmacy students. Methods. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, on first- and final-year students of medicine and pharmacy. The multivariate Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to identify the main predictors of self-medication. Results. The overall self-medication prevalence in the past year was 81.3%. Independent risk factors for self-medication identified in the regression analysis were the final study year, housing condition, i.e., living in a leased apartment or in a student dormitory in comparison to living with parents, and cigarette consumption. The conventional drugs were the most frequently used, mostly for the symptoms of cold and pain. Final-year students had more confidence in conventional medicines than in herbal drugs and were more aware of the risks of their concomitant use. Conclusion. Self-medication is highly prevalent among students of medical sciences, especially among final-year students. Increased medical knowledge led to the higher awareness of the drug interaction risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Tomas Petrović & Nebojša Pavlović & Nebojša Stilinović & Nikola Lalović & Milica Paut Kusturica & Tihomir Dugandžija & Dragana Zaklan & Olga Horvat, 2022. "Self-Medication Perceptions and Practice of Medical and Pharmacy Students in Serbia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1193-:d:730231
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olga J Horvat & Ana D Tomas & Milica M Paut Kusturica & Alisa V Savkov & Dragica U Bukumirić & Zdenko S Tomić & Ana J Sabo, 2017. "Is the level of knowledge a predictor of rational antibiotic use in Serbia?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(7), pages 1-13, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jovana Milenković & Dragana Lakić & Nataša Bogavac-Stanojević, 2023. "Analysis of the Professional Aspects of Medical Drugs Industry in the Republic of Serbia in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Zisis Kozlakidis, 2023. "Promoting Health for Adolescents: An Editorial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-4, July.

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