Self-medication practices in the UAE - prevalence, determinants, public awareness, and the impact of an educational intervention on safe medication use

Q: How common is self-medication among adults in the UAE according to the study?

Self-medication was reported by 78% of participants, mainly for minor ailments. The study also links higher rates to demographic and access-related factors.

Q: What were the main determinants driving self-medication?

Key drivers included perceived unimportance of the illness (79.3%), prior knowledge of drugs (61.3%), and access to pharmacies (42.5%). Chronic illness was also significantly associated with increased self-medication.

Q: Did the educational intervention improve safe medication use awareness?

Yes. Understanding improved in 88.3% of respondents after the intervention, and 79% expressed interest in further education. Despite this, critical knowledge gaps about drug interactions persisted.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Rainbow Cat

Self-medication is a widespread practice worldwide, using medicines without direct medical supervision, offering convenience and cost savings while creating serious risks. This study examined the prevalence, determinants, and perceptions of self-medication among adults in the UAE, and assessed how a brief educational intervention—using a targeted brochure—changed public awareness and attitudes. Cross-sectional surveys of 400 participants were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS v. 29. Results showed high prevalence and notable knowledge gaps, with education improving understanding and intent.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Background

Definition and common motivations

Key risks: interactions, dosing, antibiotics, organ injury

Self-medication practices in the UAE: prevalence, determinants, public awareness, and the impact of an educational intervention on safe medication use Doaa Kamal AlKhalidi a, Maram O. Abbas b, Afnan Shebl Hamada, Khadeeja Abdulwahhab Dawooda, Abir Mohamad Al Jazara, Nouran Saad Ahmeda, Menna Mohameda and Shazia Jamshed c aPharmacy Practice Department, College of Pharmacy, Dubai Medical University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; bInstitution of Public Health, Health and Medicine College, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; cDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, IMU (Former International Medical University), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ABSTRACT Background: Self-medication is a widespread practice globally involving the use of medications without direct medical supervision. While it provides convenience and cost savings, it poses risks such as misdiagnosis, incorrect dosages, adverse drug interactions, and antibiotic resistance. This study assessed the prevalence, determinants, and perceptions of self-medication among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and evaluated the impact of a brief educational intervention on public awareness and attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 400 participants using structured, face-to-face surveys, followed by an educational intervention that included a targeted brochure. Post-intervention feedback was collected directly using an online survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS v. 29. Results: Self-medication was reported by (78%) of participants, primarily for minor ailments, with key drivers including the perceived unimportance of the illness (79.3%), prior knowledge of drugs (61.3%), and accessibility to pharmacies (42.5%). Chronic illness was significantly associated with increased self-medication. Despite 47.8% reporting awareness of drug interactions, only 38.6% could identify examples. Antibiotic misuse was noted in (24.5%) of cases. Participant narratives revealed real-life harms, including pediatric dosing errors, herbal misuse during pregnancy, and delayed diagnosis due to symptom masking. The educational intervention improved understanding in 88.3% of respondents, and 79% expressed interest in further education. Self-medication was significantly associated with age, gender, education, and insurance status (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent in the UAE, influenced by demographic and access-related factors. Despite moderate awareness, critical knowledge gaps persist. Educational tools and stronger pharmacist engagement can enhance safe medication use. Targeted interventions are needed to promote responsible self-care and regulatory compliance. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 2 September 2025 Accepted 3 December 2025 KEYWORDS Self-medication; public awareness; medication safety; over-the-counter drugs; healthcare accessibility; patient education Background Self-medication (SM), defined as the use of medicines without direct medical supervision, is a common global practice that encompasses over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, leftover prescriptions, herbal remedies, or self-adjusted doses of prescribed medications (Baracaldo-Santamaría et al., 2022) . While often motivated by convenience, affordability, and perceived minor ailments, unsupervised medication use carries significant risks to individual and public health. These risks include misdiagnosis, inappropriate drug selection, incorrect dosing, adverse drug reactions, and unsafe interactions. Drug–drug interactions may arise when common OTC agents are combined, such as CONTACT Doaa Kamal AlKhalidi [Dr.DoaaKamal@dmu.ae](Dr.DoaaKamal@dmu.ae) Al Muhaisanah 1, Al Mizhar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Maram O. Abbas [maram.abbas88@gmail.com](maram.abbas88@gmail.com) Solihull, Birmingham, United Kingdom Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at [https://doi.org/10.108

FAQs

How common is self-medication among adults in the UAE according to the study?

Self-medication was reported by 78% of participants, mainly for minor ailments. The study also links higher rates to demographic and access-related factors.

What were the main determinants driving self-medication?

Key drivers included perceived unimportance of the illness (79.3%), prior knowledge of drugs (61.3%), and access to pharmacies (42.5%). Chronic illness was also significantly associated with increased self-medication.

Did the educational intervention improve safe medication use awareness?

Yes. Understanding improved in 88.3% of respondents after the intervention, and 79% expressed interest in further education. Despite this, critical knowledge gaps about drug interactions persisted.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Rainbow Cat