Use of over-the-Counter Medications for Stress Relief Among Undergraduate Medical Students of Bayero University Kano

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, medical students face stress from modern lifestyles and academic pressures, leading many to resort to over-the-counter (OTC) medications for relief. The combination of academic pressure, prolonged study hours, and substance use during exams, exacerbated by economic constraints, results in widespread self-medication.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among undergraduate medical students of Bayero University Kano, to determine the use of over-the-counter Medications for stress relief and the consequences of usage on their mental wellbeing.
An adapted self-administered structured questionnaire containing the socio-demographic data, pattern and frequency of usage, the risk factors associated with the use and the relationship between the usage and the mental wellbeing of the students was administered. The sample size was 210 and a two-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents
RESULTS: Information obtained was analyzed and it showed that about 57% of the participants used Over-the-counter medications for stress relief. The frequently used medications are acetaminophen, diclofenac and ibuprofen for pain relief, caffeine products, sleep aids and herbal supplements. Financial problems, high family expectations, lack of emotional support and the use of substance were the risk factors found associated with usage of Over-the-Counter medications. A strong relationship exists between the usage and mental wellbeing of medical students.
CONCLUSION: A diverse range of OTC medications were employed by medical students for stress relief with varied Patterns and frequency of usage. Risk factors including psychosocial and health-related factors necessitating the usage were identified and the relationship between their mental wellbeing and the usage was established.
RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended, therefore that positive coping mechanisms should be advocated, as well as strategies to promote the mental wellbeing of medical students like social and recreational programs, sports/healthy activities, mentorship programs, mental support and educational support programs should be provided to help alleviate the stress of medical education.