Self-Medication Practices, Risk Awareness and Use of Non-Pharmacological Measures among Medical Students at a Malaysian Public University: A Cross-Sectional Study. ersity

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is common among medical students, but few Malaysian studies have examined it alongside non-pharmacological self-care. This study determined the prevalence and frequency of self-medication, assessed risk awareness, and described non-pharmacological measures among preclinical and clinical medical students. Methods: This single-centre cross-sectional survey included 204 students (preclinical years 1-2, n=81; clinical years 3-5, n=123) from July to August 2025. Self-medication was defined as medicine use without a current professional consultation. Stratified prevalence estimates were calculated for over-the-counter medicines, reuse of previous prescriptions, supplements, herbal products and topical preparations. Descriptive statistics and stage-specific comparisons were used; ordinal logistic regression examined frequency among the 199 students who self-medicated. The proportional odds assumption was met. Results: Self-medication was reported by 199/204 students (97.5%). Of these, 106/199 (53.3%) reported rare use and 72/199 (36.2%) reported occasional use. Year 4 students had lower odds of more frequent self-medication than Year 5 students (odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.85; p=0.026). Clinical students more often recognised medication misuse/overuse (103/123, 83.7% vs 55/81, 67.9%; p=0.008) and drug interactions (61/123, 49.6% vs 18/81, 22.2%; p<0.001). Personal adverse effects were reported more often by preclinical students (8/81, 9.9% vs 3/123, 2.4%; p=0.028). Non-pharmacological measures were reported by 73/81 (90.1%) preclinical and 113/123 (91.9%) clinical students (p=0.667); exercise was most common. Leading reasons were quick relief (56.8%), minor illness (21.1%), and previous experience (17.1%). Conclusion: Self-medication was very common in this volunteer sample. Structured education on rational medicine use and safe self-care is warranted, but multicentre longitudinal studies measuring clinical appropriateness and effectiveness are needed.