Self-Medication Practice with Antimalarials and Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Health Science Students in North Western - Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Self-medication is a growing public health concern in developing and developed countries. Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of self-medication practice among undergraduate science students determine its concomitant factors. Methods: conducted May 2021 studying at Catholic University Health Allied Sciences (CUHAS) Mwanza, Tanzania. An analytical cross-sectional design used this study. Semi-structured questionnaires were collect information on sociodemographic characteristics respondents their anti-malarial practice. Results: A total 340 participants recruited. The with antimalarials 55.9%. Among 190 who ever without prescription; majority 143 (75.3%) obtained from community drug outlets, 116 (61.0%) artemether-lumefantrine. reported emergence acute illness (ie, no time attend facilities) 82 (43.2%) be major reason for self-medication. Students aged 25 years above more likely use prescription compared between 18 21 years, (aOR=2.99 (95% CI 1.24-0.7.22). Compared first-year students, third-year (aOR=0.18 0.07-0.41), fourth-year (aOR=0.32 0.13-0.79), fifth-year (aOR=0.16 0.04-0.64) significantly less take prescription. Conclusion: found high emphasizing need strategies promote rational antimalarials. It recommended improve access healthcare facilities educate about risks associated reduce prevalence.