Self-medication with antibacterial drugs by undergraduate students in health-related fields
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v105i1e-227176Keywords:
self-treatment, antibacterials, undergraduateAbstract
Self-medication, a culturally rooted form of self-care commonly adopted by the general population, has the potential to become a significant societal problem. When considering the use of antibacterial agents without medical guidance, this practice represents an important public health concern due to its contribution to the development of antimicrobial resistance. The present study investigated the occurrence of self-medication among students enrolled in health-related undergraduate programs at the University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), located in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A questionnaire containing 25 objective questions and one subjective prompt was administered online to students from the following programs: Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, and Dentistry. Data collection took place from September to November 2023. A total of 89 students participated, of whom 32 reported routinely self-medicating with antibacterial drugs. Despite being enrolled in programs centered on health care and pharmacological therapies, participants nonetheless engaged in self-medication, contrary to expectations for this population. To reduce the use of antibacterial self-medication among health sciences students, it is essential to implement educational strategies such as lectures and awareness campaigns to inform students about associated risks and encourage behavioral change.
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