OBJECTIVES : The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, attitude and knowledge of self-medication among science and arts students. To evaluate the possible role of the pharmacist in self-medication in different universities of Punjab, Pakistan.

METHODS : To access the prevalence, knowledge and attitudes towards self-medication, a questionnaire based cross-sectional study has been designed. A reliable and validated questionnaire was administered to science and arts students of Government College University , Faisalabad and University Of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan for data collection.

RESULTS : The prevalence of self-medication was found 62% in female and 38% in male. There was a significant difference between male and female students. Pain killers was the highest self-medicated medicine with 75.25% prevalence, followed by 69.31% for fever and 52.48 % of multivitamin/supplement. Contribution of the pharmacist as a part of self-medication care was found least. In study population for using self-medication, 50.50% people relied information from internet, 37.62% from advertisements, 49.50% from other sources like dispenser, salesman at the counter, family and friends suggestions.

CONCLUSIONS : The prevalence of self-medication among science and arts students was found high. Disease severity is not important to look into, people consider their ailment minor sometimes so they practice self-medicate. The role of pharmacist is not known at all. There is a misconception in our society to consider sales man or the dispenser at the counter as drug consultant which leads sometimes delirious and unexpected results.

Keywords; Self medication, Students, Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitude