Self-medication practices among undergraduate nursing and midwifery students in Australia: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Self-medication is a global phenomenon and a major form of self-care.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the self-medication practices of Australian nursing and midwifery students.


METHODS
An online questionnaire that examined the prevalence of self-medication, reasons for self-medication, medications consumed and medication knowledge was distributed to student nurses and midwives at one university in Victoria, Australia. Data were collected between February and May 2014.


RESULTS
Self-medication practices were reported in 91.7% (n = 110) of students. Students reported the main reason for self-medication was to play an active role in their health. The incidence of stress was high (n = 82, 74.5%), along with back pain (n = 84, 76.4%) and nearly half the students (n = 46, 42.2%) reported using antibiotics that were prescribed for a previous health problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-medication practices were common in this student cohort and some results give rise to concern for the general wellbeing of our future nursing and midwifery workforce.
a Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing & Midwifery , Monash University, Clayton , Victoria , Australia.
Allison
A
Williams
a Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing & Midwifery , Monash University, Clayton , Victoria , Australia.
Kimberley
K
Crawford
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery; D012651:Self Medication / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria; D055815:Young Adult
D000700:Analgesics; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
medication safety; midwives; nursing; self-care; self-medication; students