Prevalence and Determinants of Self-medication among Attendants of Primary Health Care Centers in Abha City, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and determinants of self-medication practices among attendants of primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The researchers interviewed 400 patients attending Al-Numees PHCC. A data collection sheet was constructed for data collection, which comprised participants’ personal features and self-medication practices. Results: About one-third of participants practiced self-medication during the last year, mostly 1-3 times (22.5%). The main motive toward self-medication was a previous positive personal experience with the medication (31.4%), while the main complaint was having minor ailments (41.5%). Analgesics were mainly sought (47.9%), with pharmacists being the main advice providers (50.2%). The condition of 70.7% improved after self-medication. Self-medication was significantly more practiced by older participants (p=0.028), males (p=0.016), Saudis (p=0.001), and both illiterate and university-educated participants than others (p=0.018). It was also significantly influenced by participants’ occupation, being highest among retired participants (100%). Conclusions: Self-medication is commonly practiced in Abha City, mainly due to having prior experience. It is mainly practiced when having a minor ailment. Analgesics are the most frequently purchased drugs for self-medication. Pharmacists are the main source of advice for self-medication. Determinants of more practice of self-medication include older age, male gender, Saudi nationality, and educational level. Key Words: Self-medication; prevalence; primary health care.