ASSESSMENT OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES FOR ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN PARACHINAR, DISTRICT KURRAM

Abstract

Self-medication is the use of medicines without professional consultation to treat self-recognized symptoms or illnesses. In oral health, self-medication is commonly practiced for problems such as toothache, gum bleeding, sensitivity, and oral lesions. Although it may provide temporary relief and reduce healthcare costs, inappropriate use of medicines can lead to adverse drug reactions, delayed diagnosis, antimicrobial resistance, and worsening of oral diseases. College students are particularly vulnerable to self-medication because of increased independence, financial limitations, fear of dental procedures, and easy access to over-the-counter medicines. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 college students from public and private sector colleges in Parachinar, District Kurram, Pakistan, from January to April 2026. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire after informed consent and analyzed using SPSS version 24 with descriptive statistics. The prevalence of self-medication among participants was 83.4%. Among the respondents, 51.17% were male and 48.83% were female, while most participants (70.39%) belonged to the 15–19 years age group. Knowledge regarding self-medication was reported by 83.1% of participants, and 74.5% believed that self-medication could be harmful to health. Tooth pain was the most common oral health problem leading to self-medication (52.6%), followed by sensitivity (19%) and gum bleeding (11.2%). Painkillers were the most commonly used medications (48%), followed by antibiotics (27.7%) and herbal or home remedies (16.8%). The leading reasons for self-medication were dental procedure phobia (25.2%), perception of illness as minor (21.8%), and time and cost saving (19.3%). Family members and friends were the major sources of advice regarding medicine use (46.7%). Most participants used medications for only a few days (66%). The study concludes that self-medication for oral health problems is highly prevalent among college students in District Kurram. Despite awareness regarding its harmful effects, students continue to self-medicate because of fear, limited dental access, and financial concerns. Public health awareness programs, stricter regulation of over-the-counter medicines, and improved access to affordable dental care are necessary to reduce irrational self-medication practices and improve oral health behavior among students