Int J Pharma Res Health Sci. 2019; 7 (1): 2894-98 2894 IIIIIIIII© International Journal of Pharma Research and Health Sciences. All rights reserved DOI:10.21276/ijprhs.2019.01.07 Lokeesan and Laavanya CODEN (USA)-IJPRUR, e-ISSN: 2348-6465 Original Article Self-Medication Practices among Undergraduate Nursing Students V Lokeesan 1,* , L Laavanya 2 1 Department of Supplementary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Eastern University, SriLanka. 2 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT ______ 1. INTRODUCTION Self-medication is the use of non-prescribed medicines by people based on their own initiatives. Self-medication is defined as “obtaining and consuming medication without professional supervision regarding indication, dosage, and duration of treatment” 1 . The concept of self-medication exists since ages and it is prevalent throughout the world 2 . Self-medication, as one of the elements of self-care, is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self- International Journal of Pharma Research and Health Sciences Available online at www.pharmahealthsciences.net Received:29 Jan 2019 Accepted:20 Feb 2019 Introduction: Self-medication, as one of the elements of self-care, is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. Studies revealed that there is an increase in trends of self-medications particularly among youth. Hence, there is a need to know the prevalence of self-medication practices among university undergraduate students. Objectives: Aim of this study is to identify the factors and prevalence of self-medication practices among undergraduate nursing students in Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Also, to assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate nursing students towards the self-medication practices. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional descriptive study, was conducted among undergraduate nursing students from Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Whole population was considered as study samples. A structured self-administered administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results and Discussion: Most of the participants were using self-medications and the practices. Students gain knowledge on self-medication practices, when their year of study increases. Age and year of study have significant relationship with knowledge on self- medication and its usage. 81% of participants had positive attitude towards self-medication and People with whom students are living significantly associated with their attitude.Conclusion: Findings of present study show that majority of undergraduate nursing students are knowledgeable on self-medication practices and they have positive attitude towards the usage and its consequences. Even though, more awareness regarding self- medication practices are needed. Key words: Attitude, Knowledge, Practices, Self-medication, Students, University. Corresponding author * V Lokeesan Department of Supplementary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Eastern University, SriLanka E mail: lokeesanv@esn.ac.lk