OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of self-medication among students of different universities of Quetta, Pakistan.

METHODS: This questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2016 to November 2017. A convenience sample was taken from 3 universities of Quetta, Pakistan. A questionnaire consisting of 4 sections was developed. First section for demographics, second for knowledge, third for attitude and forth section to assess prevalence. Consent was taken before participation of student. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS v 20.

RESULTS: Out of 389 participants (mean age=22 ± 3.5 years, 245 were female and 277 were science students. Sixty one percent stated that they stop taking a prescribed medicine when symptoms disappear without consulting a physician. The most common reasons for self-medication was previous experience (50.1%) and suggestion from family or friends (20.7%). The most common symptoms were headache (74.2%), flu (68.4%), and fever (43.2%). Most commonly used medicines were analgesics (88.3%), antibiotics (75.2%) and antipyretics (65.1%). Ninety two percent of students knew self medication could be harmful. The overall prevalence of self-medication was 89%. There was no significant difference between the self medication practices and other demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that the prevalence of self medication among university students was high. However majority of the students were aware of the harmful effects of self medication. Focus should be taken to improve students practices towards self medication.