Self-medication practice, literacy and associated factors among university students in Yogyakarta

Background: The use of non-prescription drugs in self-medication has been widely carried out by the public, especially students, for the treatment of various minor illnesses. Over the counter (OTC) medicines are often used in self-medication. However, good knowledge and literacy related to self-medication are important to avoid inappropriate practice of self-medication. This study aims to determine the description and factors affecting knowledge, literacy, and appropriate practice of self-medication among students in Special Region of Yogyakarta. Methods: This research was conducted using a cross-sectional survey study. Sampling was done by convenience sampling on students from various university in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Data obtained through validated questionnaire were analyzed descriptively and statistically using a Chi-Square test and significant at p <0.05. Results: About 63.22 students in Yogyakarta had high knowledge of self-medication, 52.64 students had high medication literacy, and 57.21 students did appropriate practice of self-medication. There was a significant relationship between medication literacy and appropriate practice of self-medication (p<0.001). Factors affecting knowledge of self-medication were education field (p<0.001), source of information (p=0.010), and place to get medicine (p=0.002). Medication literacy affected by gender (p=0.043), education field (p=0.008), and source of information (p=0.037). Meanwhile, factors that affected appropriate practice of self-medication were gender (p=0.010) and education field (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that students in Yogyakarta have high knowledge of self-medication, high medication literacy, and appropriate practice of self-medication. The role and supervision from the government and other healthcare professionals are needed given the practice of self-medication is quite high in Indonesia. © 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.