Determination of the Rational Drug Use Awareness of University Students

Abstract

Non-rational drug use harms both health and the economy. This study aims to evaluate the rational drug use awareness of undergraduate students studying in two faculties where future health professionals are trained. The study was carried out with 449 undergraduate students studying at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy. As a data collection tool, the “Consciousness Scale Towards Rational Drug Use (CRDU) in Adults” was developed by Aktas and Selvi. The descriptive information form consist - ing of 6 questions was used. SPSS 23 program was used for data analysis. Of the 449 students participating in the study, 193 (43%) are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, 160 (35.6%) in Pharmacy, and 96 (21.4%) in Health Man - agement. It was determined that the student’s awareness of rational drug usage was x̃=4.19 / s=0.44. It is thought that the students participating in the study had a relatively good level of awareness of the study findings that discussed in the literature. However, in the correct drug awareness dimension, it is seen that there are inadequacies in the fact that the drug recommendations from non-physician health personnel can also be taken into account. It is recommended to carry out studies in which the attitude, awareness or knowledge level of rational drug use is measured through valid and reliable scales.