Self-medication among students of the UAI School of Dentistry

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is a common practice that carries potential health risks, especially in young and educated populations such as university students. This study aims to determine whether students of the School of Dentistry of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI) practice self-medication, to describe associated factors, the reasons for this practice, the most commonly used medications and to explore the consequences reported in the literature in the short, medium and long term. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured survey designed in Google Forms, delivered directly and anonymously. Sixty-eight third, fourth and fifth year dental students participated. The instrument assessed the prevalence of self-medication, related factors, medications used and reasons for self-medication. Results: Of the 68 students invited, 60 responded, reaching a response rate of 88.24%. The majority were women (65%) and the predominant age range was 20 to 25 years old and over 30 years old, each representing 41%. Eighty-seven percent of the participants admitted having practiced self-medication at least once. The most commonly used medications were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs) in 50% of cases, followed by antibiotics (28%), with amoxicillin being the most frequent antibiotic. The main form of access was direct purchase in pharmacies (56%), while 27% obtained the drugs from family, friends or at work. The most common reason for self-medicating was considering that the symptoms were not serious enough to require a medical consultation (46%). Conclusions: Self-medication is a widespread practice among students at the UAI School of Dentistry, influenced mainly by the perceived mildness of symptoms, recommendations from family and friends, and lack of time to go to the doctor. These results are consistent with the literature, which indicates a high prevalence of self-medication in university students and the associated risks