Exploring the Global Landscape of Self-Medication Among Students: Trends, Risks, and Recommendations for Safe and Responsible Practices

Pharmacy Practice

  • Yasser Bustanji1School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan., 2College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Jalal Taneera2College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Afnan Bargooth4Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
  • Ahmad Y. Abuhelwa5Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Ala Issa1School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
  • Waseem El-Huneidi2College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Eman Abu-Gharbieh2College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 1School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
  • Karem H. Alzoubi5Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Mohammad A.Y. Alqudah5Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 6Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
  • Ahmed Alhusban5Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Islam Hamad7Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Madaba, Amman, Jordan.
  • MoezAlIslam E. Faris8Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Mohammad H. Semreen9Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates., 3Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.

Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 1-14

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2024.1.2928

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of self-medication practices among students by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the available scientific literature. This research highlights the importance of promoting safe and responsible healthcare behaviors among students. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Scopus database to retrieve all peer-reviewed English articles and reviews published from 1968 onwards. The retrieved documents were analyzed to identify publication trends, citation counts, top journals, geographical distribution, and emerging research themes. Results: The findings indicate a significant increase in published literature about student self-medication over the past fifteen years. However, it was observed that the citation count for these documents was lower than expected, suggesting a need for increased attention toward this critical topic. The analysis also identified several hot topics in student self-medication, including the misuse of over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and psychoactive substances. The inappropriate use of antibiotics and the self-medication of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, were also identified as significant problems. Conclusions and recommendations: Self-medication among students is a complex and critical issue that requires immediate attention. This study highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and education regarding responsible self-medication practices among students. New policies, interventions, and strategies should be developed to address malpractices, misconceptions, and harmful practices related to self-medication. Educational institutions and health authorities should play a crucial role in providing students with mental health resources and support services. Collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, universities, and policymakers are required to consider this issue as public health priority, establish counseling centers, organize stress management and mental health workshops and develop comprehensive programs to control risks associated with student self-medication.

Keywords

  • self-medication
  • university students
  • medical students
  • bibliometric analysis
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • antibiotics
  • analgesics
  • alcohol
  • adolescents
  • awareness
Pharmacy Practice

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