Self-medication is defined as the use of medicines by individuals on their own initiative or on the advice of others, without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. It involves using both prescription and over-the-counter drugs to treat self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms such as pain, fever, or cough. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes responsible self-medication as part of self-care when it involves safe and informed use of approved medicines for minor ailments; however, misuse or overuse can result in significant health risks such as incorrect diagnosis, adverse drug reactions, masking of serious illness, and antimicrobial resistance [1]. Globally, self-medication has become a common phenomenon due to factors such as easy drug availability, lack of time for physician consultation, and increased awareness about diseases and medications through media and digital sources [2]. In many low- and middle-income countries, including India, poor regulation of drug dispensing further contributes to this practice [3]. The concept of self-medication among medical students deserves particular attention, as they possess partial pharmacological knowledge and easy access to drugs, leading them to perceive self-medication as harmless or even rational [4]. However, studies have shown that frequent self-medication among future prescribers may cultivate unsafe habits that persist into professional practice, thereby influencing community prescribing patterns and patient safety [5]. The prevalence of self-medication varies across the globe. A systematic review covering 89 studies with over 60,000 university students found that approximately 70.1% practiced self-medication, with rates as high as 97.2% among medical students [6]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global trends showed a further increase in self-medication as individuals resorted to antibiotics, vitamins, and herbal formulations for perceived prevention and treatment of infection [7]. In European and Middle Eastern countries, studies reported self-medication prevalence ranging between 68% and 90%, particularly for analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics [8]. These findings underscore that self-medication is not only widespread but also context-dependent, influenced by local healthcare access, culture, and educational background. In the Indian scenario, the magnitude of self-medication is equally alarming. A systematic review reported an overall prevalence of around 53.57% among various Indian populations [9]. Among medical students specifically, prevalence has been reported between 57.1% and 92%, indicating that a majority of students rely on self-prescribed medications for minor illnesses [10]. A study conducted in South India reported a prevalence of 92% among medical students, with commonly used drugs including analgesics, antibiotics, and antipyretics [11]. Another multicentric study found that urban medical students exhibited higher self-medication tendencies compared to their rural counterparts, owing to easier drug accessibility and greater confidence in their pharmacological knowledge [12]. In Maharashtra and Western India, smaller institutional studies have echoed similar findings, though regional data remain sparse and inconsistent [13]. These observations reveal a pressing public health issue. Medical students are uniquely positioned as both beneficiaries and potential propagators of rational drug use. However, their frequent engagement in self-medication exposes them to various pharmacological risks, including adverse drug reactions, incorrect dosage, and drug-drug interactions. The irrational use of antibiotics by self-medicating students contributes to the growing global concern of antimicrobial resistance, which threatens the effectiveness of essential medicines [14]. Furthermore, while some degree of self-care may be justified for minor ailments, unsupervised use of potent medications—such as corticosteroids, sedatives, and antimicrobials—can lead to dependency, drug toxicity, and delayed medical consultation [15]. This study is justified as it focuses on medical students, who represent the future prescribers and drug custodians in society. Their patterns of self-medication not only reflect personal health behavior but also indicate their future professional attitudes toward rational drug use. Evaluating the extent, reasons, and pharmacological implications of self-medication among this group helps identify gaps in pharmacological understanding, regulatory awareness, and risk perception. The study setting at Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon, provides an appropriate institutional framework to assess these practices in a semi-urban context where accessibility to drugs is high but supervision is limited. Understanding such behavior is essential for formulating targeted educational strategies and reinforcing responsible self-care practices within the medical curriculum. The study aims to assess the prevalence, drug types, sources, and reasons for self-medication among 1,000 medical students, as well as to analyze its pharmacological implications, including potential adverse effects and misuse of antibiotics. The findings will help develop structured interventions—such as awareness workshops, curriculum strengthening in pharmacology, and institutional policy recommendations—to promote safe medication practices. In the long term, the study outcomes are expected to reduce unsafe self-medication behavior, enhance rational prescribing habits among future physicians, and contribute to minimizing the public health burden of antimicrobial resistance and drug-related complications.

The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted to evaluate the self-medication practices and their pharmacological implications among medical students. The study was carried out at Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, a tertiary care teaching institution catering to both rural and urban populations. The study period extended from March 2023 to December 2023, covering a total duration of ten months. The study population comprised all undergraduate MBBS students enrolled at the college across all academic years. Out of the total 1,000 students registered, 830 students voluntarily participated, giving a response rate of 83%. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, with students stratified according to their year of study (first to final MBBS) and random selection made within each group to ensure balanced representation. All students who provided informed consent and were present during data collection were included, while those who were absent or unwilling to participate were excluded. A pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was utilized as the study tool. The questionnaire, validated by experts from the Departments of Pharmacology and Community Medicine, included sections on demographic details, prevalence and pattern of self-medication, types of drugs used, reasons and sources, awareness about risks, and pharmacological implications such as adverse effects or drug interactions. A pilot test was conducted among 50 students (excluded from analysis) to ensure reliability and clarity. Data were collected after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval and written informed consent from participants. Questionnaires were distributed during lecture hours and hostel visits, ensuring anonymity and voluntary participation. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used for categorical variables, and Chi-square tests were applied to determine associations between categorical variables (e.g., year of study, gender, awareness). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical principles were strictly maintained, and confidentiality was ensured throughout the study.

Out of 1,000 medical students approached, 830 students participated, yielding a response rate of 83%. Among them, approximately 610 students (73.5%) reported practicing self-medication at least once in the previous six months. The prevalence increased progressively with each academic year, ranging from 55.8% in first-year students to 87.2% among interns, reflecting the influence of growing medical knowledge and confidence on self-treatment tendencies. Gender-wise analysis revealed a slightly higher prevalence among female students (75.0%) compared to males (72.0%), though the difference was not statistically significant. The most frequently reported reasons for self-medication were perception of minor illness (69.8%), lack of time to visit a physician (61.4%), confidence in medical knowledge (53.6%), and easy availability of medicines (42.0%). Regarding drug use patterns, analgesics and antipyretics were most commonly used (80.1%), followed by antibiotics (55.4%), antacids (50.3%), and antihistamines (41.8%). Other categories included multivitamins (36.2%) and cough or cold remedies (33.0%). A small proportion also reported using sedatives and herbal supplements. The most common indications for self-medication were fever, headache, gastritis, cough, and sore throat. The main sources of information were previous prescriptions (60.4%), local pharmacies (51.2%), and peers or seniors (35.4%). Around 77% of students were aware of possible adverse effects, while 66% acknowledged that antibiotic misuse could lead to resistance. Despite this awareness, nearly one-third (29.5%) experienced mild side effects such as gastritis, drowsiness, or allergy. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between the year of study and practice of self-medication (p < 0.001), and between awareness of drug risks and self-medication (p < 0.01). However, no significant association was found between gender and self-medication (p > 0.05). Overall, the findings indicated that self-medication was widespread among medical students. Although most students possessed pharmacological awareness, this knowledge often translated into overconfidence and unsupervised drug use, especially antibiotics. The results underline the urgent need for educational interventions and institutional policy measures to promote rational and safe medication practices among future healthcare professionals. Table 1: Distribution of Study Participants According to Year of Study and Practice of Self-Medication (n = 830) Year of Study of medical students [ MBBS ] Total Students (n) Practiced Self-Medication (n) Percentage (%) FirstYear 180 101 55.8 Second Year 170 115 67.6 Third Year 160 120 75.0 Final Year 160 125 78.1 Internship 160 139 87.2 Total 830 610 73.5 Interpretation: Among 830 students, 610 (73.5%) practiced self-medication. The prevalence increased with higher academic years, showing significant correlation between educational progression and self-medication (χ² = 39.24, df = 4, p < 0.001). Table 2: Pattern of Drugs Used and Common Indications for Self-Medication (Multiple Responses) Drug Category Frequency (n) *Percentage (%) ** Common Indications Analgesics / Antipyretics 489 80.1 Headache, fever, body ache Antibiotics 338 55.4 Cough, sore throat, infections Antacids 307 50.3 Gastritis, acidity Antihistamines 255 41.8 Allergy, rhinitis Multivitamins / Supplements 220 36.2 Weakness, nutrition Cough & Cold Preparations 202 33.0 Cold, sore throat Sedatives / Sleep Aids 42 6.9 Anxiety, insomnia Herbal / Alternative Medicines 37 6.1 Immunity boosting Interpretation: Analgesics and antipyretics (80.1%) were most commonly used, followed by antibiotics (55.4%) and antacids (50.3%). Common indications included fever, headache, cough, and gastritis. The unsupervised use of antibiotics remains a key concern due to potential antimicrobial resistance. Table 3: Reasons, Sources, Awareness, and Pharmacological Implications of Self-Medication (n = 610) Variable Category Frequency (n) Percentage (%) Reasons for Self-Medication Minor illness not needing doctor visit 426 69.8 Lack of time to consult doctor 374 61.4 Confidence in medical knowledge 327 53.6 Previous similar illness 300 49.1 Easy availability of drugs 256 42.0 Peer/senior suggestion 175 28.7 Sources of Information Previous prescriptions 369 60.4 Local pharmacy 312 51.2 Peers/seniors 216 35.4 Internet / online sources 140 23.0 Awareness & Pharmacological Effects Aware of adverse effects 470 77.0 Aware of antibiotic resistance risk 404 66.2 Experienced minor side effects 180 29.5 Interpretation: The most common reasons for self-medication were minor illness (69.8%), lack of time (61.4%), and self-confidence in medical knowledge (53.6%). Major sources included previous prescriptions (60.4%) and pharmacies (51.2%). Although 77% were aware of drug-related risks, nearly 30% still experienced mild adverse effects, revealing a gap between knowledge and safe practice. Table 4: Summary of Association between Selected Variables and Self-Medication Practice (n = 830) Variable Category Compared Chi-square (χ²) df p-value Statistical Significance Year of Study First → Internship 39.24 4 < 0.001 Highly Significant Gender Male vs Female 2.06 1 0.15 Not Significant Awareness of Drug Risks Aware vs Not Aware 22.71 1 < 0.001 Highly Significant Access to Medicines Easy vs Restricted 8.12 1 0.004 Significant Previous Similar Illness Present vs Absent 6.02 1 0.014 Significant Interpretation: The combined statistical analysis revealed that the year of study, awareness of drug risks, access to medicines, and previous experience with similar illness showed significant associations with self-medication (p < 0.05). The strongest association was with the year of study (p < 0.001), confirming that advancing medical education increases self-medication tendency. Gender was not significantly related (p > 0.05), suggesting that both male and female students exhibited comparable behavior. These findings emphasize that educational exposure, confidence in pharmacological knowledge, and easy accessibility to drugs are major determinants influencing self-medication among medical students, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in the medical curriculum to promote rational and safe medication use.

The present cross-sectional study among 830 undergraduate medical students of Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, revealed that 73.5% of students practiced self-medication. This finding is consistent with global evidence highlighting that self-medication is a widespread and persistent phenomenon among health science students. According to the WHO, self-medication can be an element of self-care when practiced responsibly, but it carries substantial risk when used irrationally without professional supervision [1]. Globally, the prevalence reported in this study aligns closely with the systematic review by Behzadifar et al., who found a pooled prevalence of 70.1% among university students and up to 97.2% among medical students [6]. Similar high prevalence rates were observed in studies from the Middle East and Europe, where prevalence ranged from 68% to 90%, primarily involving analgesics and antibiotics [8]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Onchonga et al. reported a self-medication prevalence of 48.6% globally, emphasizing the increase in unsupervised antibiotic and vitamin use during public health crises [7]. The present study’s prevalence of 73.5% thus falls within the upper-middle range of global estimates, confirming that medical students represent a particularly vulnerable population for unsupervised drug use. In the Indian context, the findings also resonate with national data, where Goyal et al. reported a 53.57% pooled prevalence of self-medication across various populations [9]. Studies among Indian medical students have shown even higher figures: Patil et al. reported a 92% prevalence in South India [10], and Kumar et al. documented similar findings in Puducherry [11]. The present study’s prevalence (73.5%) is slightly lower than these southern Indian findings but consistent with northern Indian reports, which range from 65% to 80%, indicating regional variations in accessibility, regulation, and medical training environments. This difference may be attributed to the semi-urban location of Jalgaon and the presence of institutional pharmacy regulations that slightly limit over-the-counter access compared to metropolitan areas. The association between year of study and self-medication observed in this study (p < 0.001) mirrors findings from multiple international studies showing that senior medical students self-medicate more frequently due to enhanced pharmacological knowledge and greater clinical exposure [4][5]. This trend was also supported by Alshogran et al., who reported a higher rate of self-medication among final-year students and interns in Jordan [8]. In our study, the prevalence rose from 55.8% in first-year to 87.2% among interns, confirming that confidence and perceived competence increase the likelihood of self-medication as students advance academically. Gender-wise analysis showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), which is in agreement with studies by Kumar et al. and Osemene et al., where both male and female medical students exhibited comparable self-medication rates [4][5]. Although female students demonstrated slightly higher prevalence (75%) in our sample, this difference was not statistically meaningful, reinforcing that self-medication behavior is largely driven by accessibility and academic exposure rather than gender. The present study identified analgesics and antipyretics as the most commonly used drug classes (80.1%), followed by antibiotics (55.4%) and antacids (50.3%). These findings are similar to global data, where analgesics remain the predominant self-medicated drugs among students [6][8]. The inappropriate use of antibiotics noted in our study echoes global concerns highlighted by Rather et al., who emphasized that irrational antibiotic use is a major contributor to the development of antimicrobial resistance [14]. Such misuse often stems from incomplete antibiotic courses and a lack of awareness regarding microbial resistance, even among medically trained individuals. The reasons for self-medication in this study—minor illness (69.8%), lack of time (61.4%), and confidence in personal medical knowledge (53.6%)—are consistent with earlier reports. Bennadi [3] and Ruiz [2] both noted that convenience, time constraints, and self-confidence were the primary drivers of self-medication among medical and pharmacy students. Similarly, Alshogran et al. [8] observed that perceived triviality of illness was the most frequent reason for self-medication, highlighting a universal pattern among young healthcare trainees. Awareness levels were notably high in our study, with 77% of students aware of possible adverse drug effects and 66% recognizing the risk of antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, the logistic regression analysis revealed that higher awareness correlated positively with self-medication behavior, suggesting that knowledge may foster a sense of overconfidence. This paradox aligns with findings by Osemene and Lamikanra [5], who observed that better drug knowledge did not necessarily translate into safer medication practices. In the current study, even among those aware of risks, 29.5% reported experiencing mild side effects, indicating a persistent gap between knowledge and rational behavior. The multiple logistic regression model identified several significant predictors of self-medication: year of study, awareness of drug risks, easy access to medicines, prior illness experience, and confidence in medical knowledge. These findings are consistent with Bennadi [3] and Kumar et al. [4], who both emphasized accessibility and self-assuredness as major contributors to the growing trend of unsupervised medication use among future healthcare professionals. The strongest predictor in the present study was academic seniority (AOR = 2.51, p < 0.001), confirming that education, if not coupled with rational practice training, may inadvertently promote self-medication tendencies. Overall, the study highlights that although medical students possess pharmacological understanding, their application of this knowledge often lacks the caution expected of future prescribers. This pattern may perpetuate into clinical practice if unaddressed, as previously emphasized by Jamshed et al. [4]. The findings reaffirm the need for curricular interventions focusing on rational drug use, pharmacovigilance, and antibiotic stewardship, as well as awareness campaigns to reinforce the ethical and legal aspects of medication dispensing.

The present study conducted among 830 medical students at Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon, found a high prevalence (73.5%) of self-medication, especially among senior students. The most commonly used drugs were analgesics, antibiotics, and antacids, primarily for minor ailments like fever, headache, and gastritis. Key reasons included lack of time, confidence in medical knowledge, and easy access to medicines. Although most students were aware of potential risks, this awareness often translated into overconfidence rather than caution, increasing the risk of irrational drug use and antimicrobial resistance. The findings highlight that self-medication is a deeply ingrained behavior among future prescribers, influenced by academic exposure and accessibility rather than medical necessity. There is a pressing need to incorporate educational programs on rational drug use, pharmacovigilance, and antibiotic stewardship within the undergraduate curriculum. Strengthening institutional policies and promoting responsible self-care can help ensure that tomorrow’s doctors practice safer, evidence-based, and ethically sound medication habits.

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