Practice, attitude and perception of self-medication among Iraqi public in Basra city

Authors

Zainab Najim Abdul-nabi, Department of Pharmacology – College of Pharmacy – University of Basrah, IraqFollow
Ahmed H Al-Darraji, Department of Pharmacology – College of Pharmacy – University of Basrah, Iraq
Sarah T. Omran, 2Department of Clinical Pharmacy – College of Pharmacy – University of Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

Background Self-medication is the act of obtaining and using medications without a doctor's prescription, guidance, or supervision of therapy. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and contributing factors of self-medication in Basra population. Method: People in Basra, southern Iraq, participated in this population-based cross-sectional survey from November to March 2021. A web-based structured questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data for the study. Results: A total of 500 male and female Basra residents between the ages of 12 and 80 participated in completing out the questionnaire. There were 24.40% females among them and 75.60% males. Only who administered self-prescribed drugs in the last two months were included. The majority of drugs used for self-medication were bought from pharmacies or drug stores; also, analgesics and antipyretics were the most frequently utilized medications. Headache was the most often reported disorder (74.9%), followed by fever and the common cold (51.90%). The two most prevalent stated causes of self-medication were prior experience and the illness's lack of seriousness.. Conclusions Drugs ranging from typical painkillers to antibiotics were used for self-medication. Even though using self-medication is a necessity; population needs to be educated by drug authorities and health professionals about the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication.

Recommended Citation

Abdul-nabi, Zainab Najim; Al-Darraji, Ahmed H; and Omran, Sarah T. (2024) "Practice, attitude and perception of self-medication among Iraqi public in Basra city," Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1 , Article 5.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.55810/2789-9136.1040

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