Self-medication: Associated factors and level of awareness among nursing students in a private university

Abstract

This study explores factors influencing nursing students' awareness of self-medication at a private university in Iloilo City, Philippines. Using a non-experimental descriptive correlational research design, data from 141 students were analyzed. Results showed a moderate tendency for self-medication among predominantly female students with diverse backgrounds. The study emphasized the need for tailored health education interventions to enhance awareness and promote responsible self-medication practices among nursing students. Additionally, the study revealed a significant but weak correlation (Spearman's Rho = 0.292, p = 0.000) between lifestyle and awareness levels. Students with healthier lifestyles tend to have lower awareness, while those with higher awareness scores often exhibited poorer lifestyle practices. Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation (Spearman's Rho = 0.502, p = 0.000) between self-medication experience and awareness, indicating that experience enhanced understanding of self-medication risks and benefits. These findings underscored the importance of educating nursing students to manage their health responsibly.