Self-medication with drug amongst university students of Birjand

Self-medication is an important part of peoples’ medical Behavior. The prevalence rates of self-medication are high all over the world. The aim of this study was to survey prevalence of self-medication amongst university students and the factors affecting it. 1048 students participated in this cross-sectional and descriptive study in Birjand (Medical Sciences، Birjand، Islamic Azad and Payame-Noor) Universities. The samples were selected randomly by self- designed questionnaire. The obtained data analyzed by SPSS software (V. 15) using descriptive- analytical statistics test and logistic regression. The prevalence of self-medication was 86. 7%. The most common reason for self-medication was previous experience (77. 2%)، the most common type was tablet (88. 7%)، the most common drug was palliatives (81. 7%) and the most common symptoms were allergy (36. 1%). The findings of the logistic regression analysis showed that Payame-Noor University students were less likely to use drugs for self-medication than the Medical Sciences students (P=0. 002). The students who had Tamin Ejtemaei and Military insurance were more likely to use drugs for self-medication than those who hadn''t any insurance (P<0. 05). Prevalence of self-medication is high in the educated youth، despite majority being aware of its harmful effects. It is necessary to pay more attention to the promotion of drug use continuing education، increase access to health services، including strengthening the role of the family physician and medical consultation universities and educational، especially for the young and vulnerable students and their motivation to correct the systematic treatment of the disease increased.