The Use of Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications by University Students During Examinations in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE: During examinations, many students use various over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to improve their concentration or treat exam-related medical symptoms. The purpose of this study was to scrutinize the use of OTC drugs during examinations in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed, consisting of online, self-administered questionnaires comprising 27 items, including the awareness, knowledge, and attitude of students toward OTC drug use during examinations. A logistic regression model was fitted to determine factors that predict OTC drug use. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). RESULTS: A total of 463 (92.6%) completed questionnaires were received from 500 recruited participants. Among participants, 58.5% were women, 47.9% were 22 years or older and completing their final year of study, and 44.1% of students preferred not to disclose their monthly income. The most common cause (35.6%) for OTC drug use during the examination period was headache, followed by pain (21%), fever (16.6%), and cough (8.2%). The most commonly used medication were painkillers, antipyretics, cough and cold medications, and vitamins (57.2%, 16.4%, 11%, and 7.3%, respectively). Male students showed a significant lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the safety and reasons for OTC drug use compared with their female counterparts and were less likely to read the medication leaflet before use (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR]: 0.36, confidence interval [CI]: 0.23–0.57) and did not know which drugs require prescriptions (p < 0.001, OR: 0.41, CI: 0.27–0.63). Other significant factors that predicted OTC drug use included age, university level, and drug income. CONCLUSION: The most common reported cause for OTC drug use during examinations among students was headache. Sex, age, university level, and monthly income were significant factors affecting OTC drug use during examinations.