Prevalence, patterns, and perceptions of self medication using conventional and herbal medicines among ENT patients in Bisha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Self-medication (SM) is a widespread global health concern. While it offers convenience and rapid relief for minor conditions, it may lead to misdiagnosis, adverse effects, and drug interactions when used without proper guidance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and perceptions of SM using conventional and herbal medicines among ENT patients in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adult residents of Bisha using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 422 participants were included. Self-medication was highly prevalent, with 83% reporting use without medical consultation. Analgesics were the most commonly used medications (72.6%). Herbal medicine use was reported by 65.1% of participants, particularly ginger (69.5%) and lemon (61.1%) for symptoms such as cold, sore throat, and cough. Awareness of risks was suboptimal, with a considerable proportion lacking knowledge about adverse effects and herb–drug interactions. The main sources of information were healthcare providers (46.0%), followed by the internet and social networks. No significant association was found between SM and sociodemographic variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent in Bisha. Limited awareness and reliance on non-professional sources highlight the need for community-based interventions to improve health literacy and promote safe medication practices