Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Over-the-counter Analgesics Usage Among Medical, Dental and Nursing Students: A Cross-sectional Study
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Abstract
Introduction: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic misuse among university students is a global public concern, with students often relying on unreliable health information sources. Our study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes towards OTC analgesic usage among medical, dental and nursing students at one institution of higher learning in Malaysia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 undergraduate students (medical, dental and nursing) recruited randomly from one Malaysian public university. A self-administered questionnaire on demographic, OTC knowledge and attitude statements were collected. Descriptive, Chi-square, Fisher and correlation analyses were performed with the data. Results: Of 285 undergraduate students (199 medical, 53 dental and 33 nursing), it was found that the students had a moderate knowledge of OTC analgesics (M=5.91, SD=1.048) and attitudes (M=20.26, SD=3.526). No significant association was observed between demographic factors, knowledge and attitude of OTC analgesics. However, a significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.292, p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: This study has identified moderate knowledge and attitude toward OTC analgesics among undergraduate students. There is no significant association between knowledge, attitude and demographic variables; however, there is a correlation between knowledge and attitude. These findings would be useful in strategizing OTC analgesic awareness programs to improve students’ theoretical knowledge into attitudes and practice.
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