Prevalence and knowledge about self medication practices among Advanced-Level students in Batticaloa Educational Zone

Abstract

Individuals taking medications without the guidance or prescription of a healthcare professional to treat their own health conditions is known as self-medication. It is becoming more common among teenagers worldwide as well as in Sri Lanka. Self-medication might seem like a quick fix, but it potentially leads to serious health problems including drug resistance, having bad drug interactions, or even developing a dependence. Nevertheless, little is known about the prevalence and knowledge of self-medication among Advanced-Level students at Batticaloa educational zone. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and knowledge of self-medication practices among advanced level students in type 1AB schools in the Batticaloa educational zone. A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among 340 students from type 1AB schools studying at grade 13. A proportionate stratified random sampling method utilized to ensure the equal representation of students from different streams and schools. Students independently completed a validated and pre-tested questionnaire to collect data over a month in June 2025. The questionnaire is consisted with questions on socio demographic data, knowledge about self medication, practice of self-medication and living habits of the participants. After gathering the data, we used descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests to analyze and interpret the data. Self-medication prevalence was reported 47.0% of them use self-medication few times a year. The most common self-treated illnesses were cough (39.5%), flu (72.1%), and headache (73.2%). The most often drugs used as self-medications were antipyretics (78.2%), analgesics (70.3%), and vitamin supplements (55.9%). The primary factors influencing self-medication behaviors were prior prescriptions from physicians (69.1%), family members (52.6%), and known medical personnel (19.7%). Important motivators included the perception that the illness was minor (40.0%), quick relief from symptoms (41.8%) and prior experience with similar symptoms (55.6%). A knowledge assessment revealed that 82.1% of students had inadequate knowledge on self-medication, while only 17.9% had adequate knowledge. Using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests, significant association were found between self-medication knowledge and factors such as gender, monthly income of the family and time spend in physical activities. Among the students 47.0% of them using self-medication few times a year, mostly for minor illnesses, while 82.1% had poor knowledge on self-medication practices. Gender, physical activity, and family income significantly influenced knowledge levels. These findings stress the importance of implementing awareness programs to promote responsible medication usage among school students.