THE EVALUATION OF HEALTH SCHOOL STUDENTS RATIONAL DRUG USE KNOWLEDGE AND HABITS

Unnecessary and improper medication use are problems that affect public health negatively. In our country, a significant portion of health expenditures is spent on medications. This study was aimed to evaluate the rational drug use knowledge and behaviors of students at Siirt University Health School. The study was carried out face to face with the participation of 568 students. The survey was carried out with the method of application under observation. The research population in which the questionnaire could be applied consisted of 980 students. Participation in the survey required volunteering. A questionnaire form was applied to students about their rational drug use information. Data were analyzed descriptively and independent T-test using SPSS 22. 0 package program. The students stated that they kept the residual drugs after the treatment in 51.6% to use when they were needed, and they kept the cold chain drugs at 58.3% on the cover of the refrigerator. When they wanted to use the drugs again, 34.1% do not want to take medicine if they are not ill. It is recorded that the painkillers are the first medicine to be found at home when it will be needed, the second is antibiotics and the 3rd is the ointments. 73.6% of the students do not use medication prescribed by the advice of their neighbors or relatives. 71.5% of the students said no to the question of if they recommend drugs to their relatives. 62.6% of the students stated that they did not use antibiotics and vitamins by themselves. 58.5% of the students learn the knowledge of medication use from the medication prospectus. 4.8% of the students accept the equivalent medications that were recommended by the pharmacist. It has been learned that students should increase their knowledge and behavior levels related to rational drug use. Wrong and unnecessary use of drugs can be prevented by explaining the side effects, active substances in drugs, and how they affect metabolism at the molecular level.