Self-Prescription of Beta-Blockers Among All Healthcare Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

Duaa M. Bakhshwin, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaFollow
Lama A. Aljialni, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Nada M. Bawajeeh, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Rimaz T. Alanazi, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Duaa M. Alshabani, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Marah M. Alsulami, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Rahaf A. Alothman, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Reem H. Alnayeli, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Dina A. Ajaj, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Shahad H. Albar, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Rowthanh H. Murshid, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated the prevalence and implications of inappropriate self-prescription of beta-blockers among healthcare students in Jeddah, primarily driven by anxiety related to academic performance.

Method: An analytical, observational, cross-sectional design was employed, and a self-administered electronic questionnaire was distributed via social media channels after obtaining ethical approval. A total of 1,043 healthcare students were included from June to December 2023. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that focused on demographics, academic performance (grade point average), beta-blocker usage, and awareness of potential side effects. Results: Among the 175 students who were taking beta blockers, 54.3% self-prescribed beta-blockers, predominantly propranolol, with 72.6% citing anxiety relief as their primary reason for use. Misuse was more prevalent among clinical-year students, particularly interns (35.2%). Moreover, more than half of the students who were taking beta blockers were aware of potential side-effects (73.7%), and 56.0% reported experiencing side-effects such as hypotension and dizziness. The findings highlighted a gender disparity, with female students being more likely to self-medicate than male students.

Conclusion: This study reveals that many healthcare students inappropriately self-prescribe beta-blockers, primarily due to academic anxiety. Despite awareness of potential side effects, this practice persists. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and education regarding the appropriate use of beta-blockers and the importance of addressing the underlying causes of anxiety among students. Future research should explore effective interventions, such as a coping with anxiety campaign, to promote healthy coping mechanisms and reduce their reliance on potentially harmful self-medication practices.

First Page

129

Last Page

138

Recommended Citation

Bakhshwin, Duaa M.; Aljialni, Lama A.; Bawajeeh, Nada M.; Alanazi, Rimaz T.; Alshabani, Duaa M.; Alsulami, Marah M.; Alothman, Rahaf A.; Alnayeli, Reem H.; Ajaj, Dina A.; Albar, Shahad H.; and Murshid, Rowthanh H. (2025) "Self-Prescription of Beta-Blockers Among All Healthcare Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study," Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences: Vol. 32: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64064/1658-4279.1013

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.