Abstract

This study investigated factors influencing self-medication among medical students at Kampala International
University-Western Campus, focusing on factors such as quality of health services, commonly used medicines, and
education level. The cross-sectional study design allowed for a combination of quantitative and qualitative
approaches to interpret data. The study population consisted of medical students aged 18-30, enrolled in any
medical course at KIU-WC, and of any gender. The sample size was determined using Fisher's formula, with a
minimum of 220 students. Data collection involved random sampling, and the study utilized questionnaires with
both structured and unstructured questions. The study found that 80.0% of participants self-medicate. Painkillers
(52%), anti-malarials (31%), and antibiotics (12%) are the most commonly used drugs for self-medication. Most
people (85.5%) get their drugs from drug shops, as they do not require prescriptions from doctors. The majority
(80.0%) prefer easy access to drugs and cheap sources, which may be a factor in self-medication practices. The
study also found that 97.3% of participants were within a 5-kilometer radius of KIUTH, and 79.1% self-medicate.
The majority (10%) had to reach KIUTH by vehicle due to the numerous and easily accessible sources of selfmedicated
drugs. However, 18.2% of participants concluded that the quality of services offered within KIUTH
facilities was poor, which could account for the decision to self-medicate rather than seek help from health
professionals. Higher education level was found to be more likely to self-medicate, as students in higher classes
were more likely to self-medicate. This could be due to increased knowledge and experience about medicines and
drugs, or greater financial stability, enabling them to travel and seek care at private and government health
facilities.