Knowledge attitude and convenience on self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh exploration using structural equation modeling approach.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Knowledge attitude and convenience on self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh exploration using structural equation modeling approach.
Authors: Tohan, Mortuja Mahamud1 (AUTHOR), Ahmed, Faysal1 (AUTHOR), Juie, Israt Jahan1 (AUTHOR), Kabir, Anamul1 (AUTHOR), Howlader, Md. Hasan1 (AUTHOR), Rahman, Md. Ashfikur1 (AUTHOR) ashfikur@ds.ku.ac.bd
Source: Scientific Reports. 5/12/2024, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p1-17. 17p.
Subject Terms: *STRUCTURAL equation modeling, *SELF medication, *DRUG side effects, *COLLEGE students, *PUBLIC health
Geographic Terms: BANGLADESH
Abstract: Self-medication is a prevalent practice among university students globally and is a significant public health concern. However, previous research has been limited in scope, focusing primarily on adolescents or the general public, leaving a gap in understanding the causal relationships associated with self-medication; thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh by developing a comprehensive causal model. Data from 417 students across five public universities were collected using the simple random walk technique by a team of 10 members. The study utilized constructs of knowledge, attitude, and convenience related to self-medication as independent variables, while self-medication practice as the dependent variable. One-way ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to develop a causal model of self-medication practice among university students in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that students with better medication knowledge and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were more likely to practice self-medication. A positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs was also significantly associated with higher self-medication practice scores. Additionally, those who perceived self-medication as convenient and prescribed medication as inconvenient had higher self-medication practice scores. The attitude towards self-medication had the most substantial negative effect on self-medication practice, followed by the inconvenience of prescribed medication and the convenience of self-medication. The model explained 87% of the variance in self-medication practice, indicating a good fit for the data. University students in Bangladesh possess intermediate knowledge of medication and primary knowledge of ADRs. They exhibit a positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs. Physical convenience favors self-medication, while the inconvenience of prescribed medication contributes to its lower preference. Policymakers should focus on evidence-based guidelines to reduce the extent of unnecessary self-medication practice and to enhance the quantity and accessibility of prescribed medications to address the issue effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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ISSN:20452322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-60931-9
Published in:Scientific Reports
Language:English