Does Increasing Health Literacy Reduce Self-medication? A Case Study of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Background: Self-medication is one of the challenging issues in health care systems. Health literacy seems to be an important factor in self-medication behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy and self-medication among undergraduate students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey method, this descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2020. Among 2600 undergraduate students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, including nonclinical students, 335 people were selected by the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using two questionnaires, including a standard health literacy questionnaire and a researcher-made self-medication questionnaire. The linear regression model was employed to analyze data by SPSS, version 23. Results: The results revealed that 174 people (52%) of the statistical population were women, and there is a significant difference between males and females in terms of self-medication (P=0.022). The effect of gender on self-medication was statistically significant (P=0.013), and self-medication decreased slightly more with increasing health literacy in males than in females. In general, without considering gender, the relationship between health literacy and self-medication was statistically significant (P=0.007), while health literacy had a negative relationship with self-medication. Conclusion: Health literacy among students was at an adequate level, and their level of self-medication is high. Health literacy as a factor affecting the capacity for decision-making and action in the field of health has a significant relationship with self-medication behavior. Therefore, due to its negative consequences, it is necessary to take measures to reduce this social phenomenon.