Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes Regarding Self-Medication With Non-opioid Analgesics Among Students in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Self-medication (SM) with non-opioid analgesics (NOAs) has become increasingly prevalent, with individuals using over-the-counter medications to manage pain and other symptoms without professional guidance. While NOAs are generally considered safe when used appropriately, misuse or overuse can lead to adverse effects, including gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, and renal problems.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding NOAs and their SM practices, including how these factors vary by demographic characteristics.

Subject and methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from a sample of 475 students who were randomly selected among university students at the University of Hafr Albatin, Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. The selected students completed the validated self-administered online questionnaires. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, marital status, etc.), the use of SM with analgesics, and 20 items to measure students' knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding NOAs for SM.

Results: All the students sampled responded to our survey representing a 100% response rate. Of the participants, more than half 296 (62.3%) were females, and about 289 (60.8%) were in the 18-to-21 years old age group. The prevalence of students who were using SM with analgesics was about 61.3% (N=291). More than half of the students (276, 58.1%) were regarded as having good knowledge about NOAs for SM; however, only 186 (39.2%) were considered to have a positive attitude about it. Parents' higher education, having health insurance, and current use of SM with analgesics were associated with increased knowledge and attitude. Interestingly, we noted a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Despite students showing favorable knowledge of NOAs for SM, their attitude about it was less than desired. Students' knowledge and attitude regarding NOAs for SM increased significantly depending on their parents' education, monthly income, and health insurance. Further, this study highlights that students' knowledge was positively correlated with their attitude regarding non-opioid SM. Prospective studies are needed to determine the cause and effect of these factors.