Use of NSAIDs and self-medication prevalence among medical students in the Sarajevo Canton
Abstract:The study aimed to gather comprehensive data on students' knowledge regarding NSAIDs, personal habits, experiences with side effects, and perceptions of drug tolerance among medical students. This cross-sectional study employed an anonymous online survey structured into four main sections: general demographics, use of NSAIDs and paracetamol, side effects and overdoses, and drug tolerance. The survey of 105 respondents from four faculties (Medicine 50%, Pharmacy 25%, Dentistry 16%, Health Studies 10%) revealed that the majority were female (72%) and aged 21-25 years (63%). Most respondents used NSAIDs orally (93%) and consumed them with water (98%), while their frequency of use ranged from "sometimes" (47%) to "very rarely" (20%), with limited consultation with doctors (47% neutral, 36% agree/completely agree). The findings of this study will contribute to the broader discussion on responsible medication use in healthcare education and practice. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive medical training that addresses not only the theoretical aspects of pharmacology but also the practical and ethical considerations of personal health management for future healthcare professionals. This research ultimately aims to foster a culture of judicious NSAID use among medical students, potentially influencing their future prescribing practices and patient counselling.Keywords: NSAIDs, medical students, adverse effects, self-medication