In a recently published study, researchers Shuleta-Qehaja and Kelmendi examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacy students in Kosovo concerning self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The analysis provides significant insights into how pharmacy students compare with their peers in other medical fields regarding their understanding and utilization of OTC medications. This study not only highlights the strengths of pharmacy education but also points towards areas that require improvement within the medical curriculum.
The research sheds light on an essential aspect of healthcare, as self-medication is a pertinent issue that affects public health globally. With the increasing accessibility of OTC medicines, understanding the approaches of future healthcare professionals towards self-medication becomes paramount. This study specifically targeted pharmacy students, known for their rigorous training in pharmacology, providing a unique perspective on their knowledge compared to that of students from other disciplines in the medical field.
The methodology implemented in this cross-sectional study consisted of surveys distributed among pharmacy students and students from other medical faculties in Kosovo. The questionnaires aimed to delve into the students’ awareness of OTC medications, their attitudes towards self-medication practices, and the factors influencing their decisions to self-medicate. This approach allowed researchers to gather comprehensive data reflecting the students’ insights and experiences.
The results revealed a marked difference in knowledge levels between pharmacy students and their counterparts studying medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields. Pharmacy students exhibited a higher level of understanding regarding the indications, side effects, and appropriate use of OTC medicines. This knowledge is crucial, as self-medication can be a double-edged sword; while it can enhance individual autonomy, it can also lead to misuse and adverse health outcomes if not managed correctly.
Interestingly, the study documented varying attitudes towards self-medication. While pharmacy students displayed confidence in their ability to address health concerns through OTC drugs, students from other medical fields expressed caution. This reflects a broader trend in healthcare education where knowledge does not always translate into practice. It poses important questions about how students are trained to approach self-medication and the role of pharmacists in guiding patients effectively.
Furthermore, the research uncovered the influence of cultural and social factors on self-medication practices. In many cases, the students reported that peer recommendations and personal experiences shaped their choices regarding OTC medications. This finding highlights the intersection of education and personal beliefs in shaping health behaviors, suggesting that future training programs should address these influences to foster more responsible self-medication practices.
The implications of this study extend beyond the academic realm. With the rise of chronic conditions and an aging population, increased self-medication is anticipated, making the role of pharmacists in public health even more crucial. They are positioned uniquely to educate patients about prudent self-medication practices, helping mitigate the risks associated with unsupervised drug use. Thus, enhancing pharmacy education to bolster their skills in patient communication and health education becomes critical.
Moreover, the results indicate a need for further research into why certain medical fields exhibit more caution towards self-medication compared to pharmacy. Investigating these dynamics can inform educational curricula, potentially integrating more interdisciplinary approaches to teaching self-medication. Such integration could empower all health professionals to contribute to safer and more effective medication use among patients.
In conclusion, this study serves as a vital contribution to understanding how pharmacy and medical students in Kosovo perceive and practice self-medication. By not only illustrating the knowledge disparities but also the attitudinal differences, the research sets the stage for future educational reforms. It reminds the community that arming students with knowledge about OTC medications must go hand-in-hand with instilling a sense of responsibility.
The continuing evolution of healthcare demands that educators reflect this reality in their teaching strategies, preparing future healthcare professionals to advocate for safe and effective self-medication practices. Such initiatives are essential for promoting a healthier society, where individuals can make informed choices about their health while minimizing risks associated with self-medication.
As the dialogue around self-medication continues, it remains imperative that we foster an environment of learning, collaboration, and safe practices among all medical disciplines. This research is a stepping stone towards achieving that goal, opening avenues for further inquiry and development.
Subject of Research: Self-medication practices among pharmacy students compared to other medical fields students in Kosovo.
Article Title: Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacy students compared to other medical fields students regarding self-medication with OTC medicines in Kosovo: a cross-sectional study.
Article References:
Shuleta-Qehaja, S., Kelmendi, N. Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacy students compared to other medical fields students regarding self-medication with OTC medicines in Kosovo: a cross-sectional study.
BMC Med Educ 25, 1664 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07685-8
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07685-8
Keywords: self-medication, pharmacy students, OTC medicines, Kosovo, healthcare education.
