Assessing Self‐medication Practices Among Healthcare Providers With Migraine in Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT Objectives Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches resulting from abnormal regulation of sensory input to the head. Self‐medication (SM) is a prevalent practice among healthcare providers (HCPs), with potentially detrimental consequences. This study aims to...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Brain and Behavior |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.70724 |
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| Summary: | ABSTRACT Objectives Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches resulting from abnormal regulation of sensory input to the head. Self‐medication (SM) is a prevalent practice among healthcare providers (HCPs), with potentially detrimental consequences. This study aims to investigate SM practices among HCPs in Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on their management of migraines. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using an electronic self‐administered questionnaire. This study encompassed various categories of healthcare professionals in Riyadh. Results Among the 1054 participants, 165 healthcare professionals reported SM for migraine headaches. The primary reasons for this practice included perception of having sufficient information about the disease and its management (60.0%), ease of medication access (53.9%), and busy schedule (46.7%). The most commonly overused self‐prescribed medications for migraines were paracetamol (70.9%) and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (43.0%), both classified as over the counter medication. Out of the 165 self‐medicating HCPs with migraines, approximately half (53.2%) reported that the medication was effective in the treatment of migraine, and the majority (78.5%) reported no side effects from self‐medication. The 55.8% of participants were unaware of the term “medication‐overuse headaches” (MOH). SM was significantly correlated with the specialty of the HCP (p < 0.001), as was perceiving headache as a migraine (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were observed between certain SM drugs and the reported side effects. Conclusions A high prevalence of headache was observed among HCPs in Saudi Arabia. Perceived sufficient information about the disease and its management, accessible medications, and a busy schedule were among the most common reasons for SM among HCPs with migraines. Moreover, most participants were unfamiliar with the term MOH and needs immediate attention and implement targeted policies and educational programs, including mandatory continuing medical education (CME) focused on MOH diagnosis, and management. Additional studies are required to identify other contributing factors or unintended complications associated with SM among healthcare professionals. |
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| ISSN: | 2162-3279 |