INTRODUCTION:
The usage of medicinal products for managing symptoms which are self diagnosed , or when it is prescribed by a physician – the practice of intermittent or continuous use of medicines for chronic diseases or symptoms is considered as self medication[1]. As an emerging public health issue , it is an important risk factor for antimicrobial resistance [2] .The practice is more common in developing nations due to several facilitating factors which include irregularities seen in drug distribution or the lack of stringent regulations needed to curb it [3]. Infections involving upper respiratory tract are the common trigger[4]. Thorough understanding of this practice among health care professionals is critical for antimicrobial resistance mitigation.

METHODS:
The study was conducted among allied health sciences students of 3 streams – medical laboratory technology, operation theatre technology and dialysis technology. Quantitative descriptive approach was used and study was conducted over a period of 2 months . The data was collected using semi structured questionnaire and ethical guidelines were followed. Descriptive data was analysed using Microsoft Excel .

RESULTS:
A total of 140 students fulfilled inclusion criteria and mean age of respondents was found to be 18.04. The commonly experienced symptoms were sore throat ( 28%) , followed by cough ( 22.6%). 54.2% of respondents were aware that antibiotics are useful for bacterial infections , 42.8% of them obtained information regarding dosage of antibiotics from pharmacist . The most common self medicated antibiotic was Azithromycin ( 42.1%), followed by Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid ( 34.2%). The commonest source of antibiotic was from pharmacy (37.8%).

CONCLUSIONS:
. The study provides insight on antibiotic self medication practices among future healthcare professionals and uncovers lacunae in their understanding regarding antimicrobial resistance. It can guide focused educational interventions which reinforce stewardship practices at training level.