Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self- Medication among Health Sciences Students at Kampala International University - Western Campus
The rising issue of self-medication among university students in Kampala necessitates a deeper understanding of itsprevalence and determinants. This study aims to investigate the extent and correlates of self-medication amongstudents enrolled in health sciences programs at Kampala International University - Western Campus. A total of294 participants from various health-related disciplines were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Dataanalysis involved univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results indicate a high prevalence of selfmedication(78.6%) among the sampled students. Factors associated with increased likelihood of self-medicationinclude age range of 20-25 years, monthly expenditure of 100,000 – 180,000 Shs, previous experience-basedknowledge, anticipation of doctor prescribing a familiar drug, use of opioid analgesics, pursuit of pharmacyprograms, obtaining drugs from community pharmacies, and self-medication with antibiotics. These findingsunderscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address self-medication practices and promote responsiblehealthcare behavior among university studentsKeywords: Self-medication, University students, Health sciences, Drugs. Pharmacy.