Abstract

Background: Self-medication among healthcare professionals is a pervasive issue with significant implications for personal well-being and patient care quality. Despite their medical expertise, healthcare workers frequently engage in self-prescribing, which can pose substantial risks. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the prevalence, motivations, risks, and preventive strategies related to self-medication in healthcare professionals, and to propose measures to address this issue effectively. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies from various disciplines and regions. Data were collected from peer-reviewed articles, clinical reports, and case studies focusing on self-medication practices among healthcare workers. Results: Self-medication is alarmingly common among healthcare professionals. Key contributing factors include easy access to medications, time constraints, professional self-reliance, and a reluctance to seek external medical help. Risks associated with selfmedication include misdiagnosis, improper drug usage, adverse reactions, and potential dependency or substance abuse. The entrenched culture of self-reliance in healthcare can further exacerbate these risks, leading to normalized risky practices. Preventive Strategies: To address self-medication, the review recommends several strategies: increasing awareness through targeted education, fostering a supportive work environment that encourages seeking professional medical advice, and implementing institutional policies to regulate self-prescribing behaviors. Conclusion: Addressing self-medication among healthcare professionals requires a multifaceted approach that balances the health of professionals with patient safety. Shifting the culture from self-reliance to seeking appropriate medical care is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and maintaining professional integrity.

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