The situation of self-medication among students at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam in 2025 and associated factors
1
Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
2
Hanoi School Of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Self-medication is a common behavior among medical students, a group with basic medical knowledge and easy access to medications. However, inappropriate self-medication can lead to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions, and masking of underlying illnesses.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to describe the prevalence of self-medication and identify associated factors among students at Hanoi Medical University in 2025.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 409 students between June and September 2025. Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire on KoboToolbox using convenience sampling. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, self-medication behavior in the past three months, and potential risk factors. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine associated factors.
RESULTS:
Overall, 58.9% of students reported self-medication within the last three months, mainly for common cold, headache, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Pharmacies (80.9%) and leftover medicines at home (28.2%) were the main sources. The most common reasons were mild, easily recognized illness (78.0%), confidence in personal experience (48.1%), and time-saving (25.3%). Multivariable analysis indicated that students without religious affiliation were more likely to self-medicate than those with a religion (aOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.01–3.04). Students with excellent or very good academic performance were also more likely to self-medicate than those with average or good grades (aOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.12–3.51). Conversely, students with monthly income equal or more than 5 million VND (190.11 USD) were less likely to self-medicate (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25–0.81).
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings emphasize the need for targeted health education promoting responsible medication use, especially among non-religious and high-achieving students. Improving access to affordable healthcare and raising awareness of self-medication risks may foster safer health behaviors.
Self-medication is a common behavior among medical students, a group with basic medical knowledge and easy access to medications. However, inappropriate self-medication can lead to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions, and masking of underlying illnesses.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to describe the prevalence of self-medication and identify associated factors among students at Hanoi Medical University in 2025.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 409 students between June and September 2025. Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire on KoboToolbox using convenience sampling. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, self-medication behavior in the past three months, and potential risk factors. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine associated factors.
RESULTS:
Overall, 58.9% of students reported self-medication within the last three months, mainly for common cold, headache, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Pharmacies (80.9%) and leftover medicines at home (28.2%) were the main sources. The most common reasons were mild, easily recognized illness (78.0%), confidence in personal experience (48.1%), and time-saving (25.3%). Multivariable analysis indicated that students without religious affiliation were more likely to self-medicate than those with a religion (aOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.01–3.04). Students with excellent or very good academic performance were also more likely to self-medicate than those with average or good grades (aOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.12–3.51). Conversely, students with monthly income equal or more than 5 million VND (190.11 USD) were less likely to self-medicate (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25–0.81).
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings emphasize the need for targeted health education promoting responsible medication use, especially among non-religious and high-achieving students. Improving access to affordable healthcare and raising awareness of self-medication risks may foster safer health behaviors.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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