Medical Student Syndrome and Self-Medication among Medical Students at Zagazig University, Egypt

Abdelhamid, Aya M; Soliman, Azza Soliman; Fathi, Aya M; Soliman, Amany IA

doi:10.21608/ejcm.2025.375278.1386

Medical Student Syndrome and Self-Medication among Medical Students at Zagazig University, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Family medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

² Public Health and Environmental Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

10.21608/ejcm.2025.375278.1386

Abstract

Background: Medical student syndrome (MSS), which is the idea held by students that they might have the illness being studied, and self-medication are closely related concepts often affecting medical students as they become more familiar with diseases and medications. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of medical student syndrome and to identify the prevalence of self-medication practices among students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and March 2025 at Zagazig University. It targeted medical students during their last three academic years. A structured questionnaire was used. It was composed of three sections: sociodemographic data, medical student syndrome and self-medication practices. Results: A total of 334 students were included. The mean age was 22.4 ±2.2 years and 57.8% were females. MSS affected 78% of the students. Among those who experienced MSS, only 9.6% found the symptoms severe enough to consult a doctor, whereas 74.7% chose to ignore them. Additionally, 30.7% reported using medication without medical consultation to manage these symptoms. The primary risk factors associated with MSS among students included gender and the use of psychiatric sleep medications. Regarding self-medication, 97.9% of students reported practicing it within the past six months. The main causes cited for self-medication were saving time (50%) and managing non-acute conditions (61.7%). Conclusion: The study findings showed that MSS and self-medication are prevalent among medical students at Zagazig University, Egypt. The findings underscore the need for intervention programs focusing on awareness of the problem along with psychological support.

Keywords

Main Subjects