Prevalence and Risks of Self-Medication Among Syrian Families: A Pharmacist-Based Survey
Abeer Hammoud1, Ayat Abbood2
1Abeer Hammoud, Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Latakia, Latakia, Syria.
2Ayat Abbood, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Latakia, Latakia, Syria.
Manuscript received on 06 August 2025 | First Revised Manuscript received on 26 August 2025 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 16 November 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 December 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 December 202 | PP: 1-6 | Volume-6 Issue-1, December 2025 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F409005061025 | DOI: 10.54105/ijapsr.F4090.06011225
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© The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Self-medication is a widespread practice in Syria, driven by socioeconomic challenges and limited healthcare access. This study assessed self-medication trends among Syrian families using a pharmacist-distributed questionnaire, examining the prevalence, motivations, types of medication, risks, and information sources. The results revealed that 97.6% of participants considered self-medication common, with pain relievers (92.5%) and cold/flu medications (68.8%) being the most frequently used. Key motivations included financial constraints (57.5%), cultural habits (46.3%), and difficulty accessing doctors (41.3%). Despite most participants recognizing potential risks, such as incorrect diagnosis (71.3%) and drug interactions (53.8%), informal sources, including family/friends (79.7%) and the internet (43%), remained the primary information channels. In comparison, physicians played a minimal role (6.3%). Pharmacists reported that self-medication increased pharmacy visits (41.3%), yet only 42.5% felt confident in providing adequate counselling. Nearly all respondents (97.5%) emphasized the need for greater public awareness. These findings underscore the pressing need for interventions to reduce reliance on self-medication, including enhanced access to healthcare, pharmacist training, and targeted educational campaigns. Addressing these issues is critical to mitigating risks and promoting safer healthcare practices in Syria.
Keywords: Self-medication, Survey, Awareness, Syrians, Pharmacists.
Scope of the Article: Pharmacy Practice