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Socio-demographic factors associated with the frequency of self-medication in university students in Lima

Vilchez-Cáceda H.A.; Bernal-Málaga K.H.; Takahashi-Ferrer C.M.; Cortez-Rebatta M.D.R.; Rojas-Berastein K.; Moreto-Huaman P.J. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Self-medication is a public health problem and has a high prevalence among university students. Objectives: Identifying sociodemographic factors associated with the frequency of self-medication in university students in Lima. Methods: This observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2023 with 232 students selected by convenience sampling. The frequency of self-medication was assessed using a validated 12-item questionnaire and categorized into three types: never, sometimes, and always. Sociodemographic factors included sex, age group, year of study, marital status, place of origin, area of residence, having children, and occupation. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was conducted using a logit model, estimating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 69.40% of participants reported self-medicating, with "sometimes" being the most frequent category (60.78%). Multivariable analysis identified being a third-year student (OR = 0.037) and being solely dedicated to studying (OR = 0.154) as protective factors. Female sex (OR = 46.758) and residing in a rural area (OR = 5.713) were associated with a higher risk of self-medication. No significant associations were found with age, marital status, place of origin, or having children (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Self-medication has a high prevalence, consistent with what has been reported in other university populations, and shows a statistical association with year of study, occupation, sex, and area of residence.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur; Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener; Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades