Abstract

DETERMINANTS OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICE BY TUNISIANS

Ben Brahim Salem*

ABSTRACT

This study aims at analyzing Tunisian behavior towards self-medication and at identifying factors of its practice. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered to health centers and pharmacies in the city of Tunis and analyzed using the SPSS software. Of the 264 respondents, 144, or 56%, have used drugs without prescription in the last six months. Men, young people, and those who lack knowledge about the risks of self-medication as well as healthy people, and those with low income and good health seem to indulge in self-medication. A logistic regression showed that the probability of consuming drugs without consulting a doctor increases when education level is high, health is good, medical knowledge is low, number of people in the family is high and income is low.

Keywords: Self-medication; Demographics; logistic regression.