Self-medication with analgesics among technical engineering students in Kirkuk, Iraq

Self-medication with over-the-counter analgesics is a double-edged sword, with both advantages and disadvantages, and is common in developing countries. It helps patients, but it can also harm them. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of over-the-counter analgesics use among students in the department of environmental engineering and pollution technologies at the Technical College of Engineering / Kirkuk. A cross-sectional study was conducted among (50) participating students using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included data on self-administered analgesics use, types, symptoms, and the reasons for using these medications. The results showed that all participants used over-the-counter analgesics, with paracetamol being the most commonly used (98%), followed by ibuprofen (68%), diclofenac (34%), and finally aspirin (22%).Headache (92%) was the most common condition that prompted their use. Minor health conditions (48%) were also the most common reason for taking self- medications with analgesics. It was concluded that self-medication among students poses a significant threat to their health, as they are vulnerable to prescription drug abuse. Therefore, there is a real need to improve their awareness and education about this issue, thereby reducing potential health problems and consequences.