Self Medication Practices and Medicine Distribution Among Hospital Nurses and Their Families Influenced by Drug Accessibility in Clinical Wards

Self Medication Practices and Medicine Distribution Among Hospital Nurses and Their Families Influenced by Drug Accessibility in Clinical Wards | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Self Medication Practices and Medicine Distribution Among Hospital Nurses and Their Families Influenced by Drug Accessibility in Clinical Wards M. H. Sajid, T. Hasan, F. Haque, R. Sharife This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7714103/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 14 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Self-medication and medicine distribution within families are prevalent among nurses due to easy access to medications in clinical wards. This study examines the prevalence, patterns, and awareness gaps of self-medication and medicine distribution in nurse-led families among nurses from public and private secondary-level hospitals in Jashore district, Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted across Jashore 250-Bedded General Hospital and three private hospitals, involving 320 nurses from various departments. Data were collected using the Self-Medication Practice Questionnaire (SMPQ) and Medicine Distribution and Awareness Scale (MDAS). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyzed prevalence and predictors. Results Self-medication prevalence was 80.6% (95% CI: 76.1–84.5), with 65.3% distributing medications to family members. Analgesics (67.8%) and antibiotics (31.2%) were commonly used. Easy ward access was a significant predictor (OR = 2.32, p < 0.001). Awareness gaps were noted in 38.4% of nurses. Private hospital nurses showed higher self-medication rates (OR = 1.45, p = 0.04). Conclusion High self-medication and medicine distribution, driven by easy drug access, necessitate stricter controls and educational interventions across public and private hospitals to promote safe practices. Self-medication Medicine distribution Nurses Drug accessibility Bangladesh 1 Introduction Self-medication, defined as the use of medications without a prescription, is prevalent among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, due to their proximity to medications in clinical settings [ 1 , 7 , 4 , 20 ]. Medicine distribution to family members further complicates this issue, as nurses often share ward-acquired drugs with relatives, influenced by cultural practices and easy access [ 3 , 11 , 18 ]. In Bangladesh, limited healthcare access and lax regulatory controls exacerbate these practices, increasing risks of adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance [ 9 , 8 , 27 ]. Studies have shown that easy access to medications in clinical wards significantly contributes to self-medication among nurses and paramedical staff [ 5 , 19 , 17 , 23 ]. This study investigates self-medication and medicine distribution practices among nurses in public and private secondary-level hospitals in Jashore district , Bangladesh , focusing on prevalence, patterns, awareness gaps, and the influence of drug accessibility in clinical wards [ 31 , 28 , 15 , 16 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 36 , 37 ]. 2 Methods 2.1 Study Design and Setting A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2025 across Jashore 250 Bedded General Hospital (public, tertiary) and three private secondary-level hospitals (Modern Hospital Jessore, Ad-din Sakina Medical College Hospital, and Queens Hospital Pvt. Ltd.) in Jashore district, Bangladesh. These facilities cover departments such as Female Medicine, Male Medicine, Pediatrics, Male Surgery, Female Surgery, Postoperative (Model Ward), Labour Ward, Gynae Ward, EPI, Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Operation Theatre (OT), and Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 2.2 Participants A sample of 320 nurses was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across public (n=160) and private (n=160) hospitals and departments. Inclusion criteria included registered nurses aged 18–60 years with at least one year of employment. Exclusion criteria included nurses on leave or unwilling to participate. 2.3 Data Collection Data were collected using two validated tools: Self-Medication Practice Questionnaire (SMPQ): A 20-item tool assessing frequency, types, and reasons for self-medication (Cronbach’s alpha=0.85) (34). Medicine Distribution and Awareness Scale (MDAS): An 18-item custom scale evaluating medicine distribution to family members and awareness of risks (Cronbach’s alpha=0.82). The questionnaire was pretested on 15 nurses (excluded from the final sample). Face-to face interviews were conducted by trained research assistants. 2.4 Ethical Considerations The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Jashore University of Science and Technology and participating hospitals (JGH/2023/045). Written informed consent was obtained, adhering to the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its amendments [35]. Clinical trial number: not applicable. 2.5 Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, self-medication, and medicine distribution. Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables, including hospital type differences. Logistic regression identified predictors, reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. 3 Results 3.1 Demographic Characteristics The study included 320 nurses (79.4% female, mean age 33.1 years, SD=6.8). Most had a diploma in nursing (63.8%) and 1–5 years of experience (44.1%). The sample was evenly split between public (50.0%) and private (50.0%) hospitals. Table 1: Frequency Distribution of Demographic Characteristics (N=320) Variable Frequency (n) Percentage (%) Gender Female 254 79.4 Male 66 20.6 Age Group 18–25 years 75 23.4 26–35 years 155 48.4 36–45 years 70 21.9 46+ years 20 6.3 Education Diploma 204 63.8 Bachelor’s 96 30.0 Master’s 20 6.2 Experience 1–5 years 141 44.1 6–10 years 89 27.8 11+ years 90 28.1 Hospital Type Public 160 50.0 Private 160 50.0 Department Female Medicine 48 15.0 Male Medicine 42 13.1 Pediatrics 32 10.0 Others 198 61.9 3.2 Prevalence and Patterns Self-medication prevalence was 80.6% (n=258, 95% CI: 76.1–84.5), with 65.3% (n=209) distributing medications to family members, consistent with findings in Malaysia [11] and Nigeria [3]. Analgesics (67.8%) and antibiotics (31.2%) were most common, aligning with studies reporting high antibiotic misuse [8, 6]. Easy drug accessibility in clinical wards was reported by 72.5% as a key factor, supporting prior research [4]. Private hospitals showed slightly higher self-medication rates (83.1% vs. 78.1%, p=0.21) [2]. Table 2: Self-Medication and Medicine Distribution Patterns by Hospital Type Item Public (n=160) Private (n=160) p-value Self-medication 125 (78.1%) 133 (83.1%) 0.21 Distributed medicine to family 100 (62.5%) 109 (68.1%) 0.28 Used analgesics 108 (67.5%) 109 (68.1%) 0.91 Used antibiotics 48 (30.0%) 52 (32.5%) 0.63 Obtained drugs from ward 112 (70.0%) 120 (75.0%) 0.29 3.3 Awareness Gaps The MDAS revealed that 38.4% (n=123) of nurses were unaware of risks associated with medicine distribution, and 45.6% lacked knowledge of antibiotic misuse consequences, consistent with awareness gaps noted in India (5) and Ethiopia (9). Awareness was slightly lower in private hospitals (40.6% vs. 36.3%, p=0.39). 3.4 Logistic Regression Analysis Logistic regression identified years of experience (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13, p=0.02), easy ward access (OR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.56–3.45, p<0.001), low MDAS scores (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.42–3.11, p<0.001), and private hospital type (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.02–2.06, p=0.04) as predictors of self-medication and medicine distribution, aligning with findings on workplace access [2, 10]. Table 3: Logistic Regression Analysis of Predictors Variable OR 95% CI p-value Years of Experience 1.07 1.01–1.13 0.02 Easy Ward Access 2.32 1.56–3.45 <0.001 Low MDAS Score 2.10 1.42–3.11 <0.001 Private Hospital (vs. Public) 1.45 1.02–2.06 0.04 Age 1.04 0.99–1.09 0.08 Gender (Female vs. Male) 1.15 0.80–1.66 0.45 4 Discussion The 80.6% self-medication prevalence is consistent with studies in Ethiopia (68–80%) [ 9 , 8 ] and India [ 1 ], driven by easy access to ward medications [ 4 , 12 ]. Higher rates in private hospitals may reflect less stringent oversight compared to public facilities, as noted in Spain [ 7 ]. Medicine distribution to families (65.3%) aligns with cultural sharing practices in Malaysia [ 11 ] and Nigeria [ 3 ]. Awareness gaps (38.4%) highlight the need for education, as emphasized in India [ 5 ] and Malawi [ 13 ]. The significant role of ward access (OR = 2.32) supports findings on workplace influence [ 2 , 10 ]. Additional studies in Eritrea [ 15 ], India [ 16 , 26 , 29 ], Nigeria [ 23 , 25 ], Bangladesh [ 27 , 31 ], Tanzania [ 21 ], Ethiopia [ 22 , 32 , 36 ], Myanmar [ 30 ], and Spain [ 17 ] further corroborate the global prevalence of self-medication and the role of accessibility in healthcare settings. Limitations include self-reported data and potential social desirability bias. Future research should explore regulatory interventions and longitudinal impacts across public and private settings [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 36 , 37 ]. 5 Conclusion High self-medication and medicine distribution in nurse-led families, driven by easy drug access in clinical wards, necessitate stricter hospital policies and targeted educational programs across public and private hospitals in Jashore district to mitigate risks and promote safe practices. Declarations 6.1 Ethics Approval and Consent The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Jashore University of Science and Technology and participating hospitals (JGH/2023/045). Written informed consent was obtained, adhering to the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its amendments (35). 6.2 Consent to Publish Participants consented to anonymized data publication. 6.3 Funding No external funding received. 6.4 Competing Interests None declared. 6.5 Author Contributions M.H. Sajid: Conceptualization, methodology, analysis, writing. T. Hasan: Methodology, editing. R. Sharife: Data collection, review. F. Haque: Supervision, validation. All authors approved the final manuscript. 6.6 Data Availability Available from M.H. Sajid ( [email protected] ) upon request, subject to ethical approval. 6.7 Acknowledgments The authors thank the nurses and caregivers who participated, the authorities of Jashore 250-Bedded General Hospital, Modern Hospital Jessore, Ad-din Sakina Medical College Hospital, Queens Hospital Pvt. Ltd., and Jashore University of Science and Technology for their support. Special thanks to colleagues and staff for assistance during data collection. References Murugan R, Padmavathi T, Hansi B. Analysis of self-medication practices and patterns among the healthcare professionals in a tertiary care hospital. Panacea J Med Sci. 2021;11(2):123-8. Kim C, Han K, Trinkoff A, Baek H. Workplace access, burnout, and prescription drug misuse among Korean hospital nurses: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs.2024;23(1):45. Fakeye T, Adisa R, Olatunji E. Self-medication among hospitalized patients in selected secondary health facilities in South Western Nigeria. Pharm Pract. 2010;8(4):233-7. Gala S, Sinha R, Shyamal M, Ranjit M, Gala R. Evaluation of the pattern of selfmedication among the paramedical support staff in a tertiary care hospital. J Pharm Sci Res. 2015;7(6):321-5. Kudyar P, Rani S, Malhotra P. Knowledge, attitude & practice towards selfmedication among nursing students in a teaching hospital of north India. Indian J Pharm Pharmacol. 2019;6(2):67-72. Bhardwaj R, Sayedda K, Ahmed QS. Analysis of self-medication practice among medical undergraduates: a study in tertiary care teaching hospital, Bareilly. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2017;6(5):1123-7. Cotobal-Calvo EM, Mata-Pérez C, Bocchino A, Palazón-Fernández JL. Self-medication practice and associated factors among health professionals in Spain. Nurs Rep. 2025;15(1):12-20. Kassa T, Gedif T, Andualem T, Aferu T. Antibiotics self-medication practices among health care professionals in selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Heliyon. 2022;8(3): e09023. Fekadu G, Dugassa D, Negera GZ, Shibiru T. Self-medication practices and associated factors among health-care professionals in selected hospitals of Western Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2020;14: 353-61. Meneses M, Baldárrago J, Velásquez S. Behavior patterns in the automation of the nursing professional against the absence of sanitary prevention policies in a national hospital, 2017. Rev Enferm. 2018;26(2):89-95. Jawahir S, Aziz N. Self-medication among adult population in Selangor, Malaysia. Malays J Pharm Sci. 2017;15(1):45-56. Sharif S, Bugaighis LMT, Sharif RS. Self-medication practice among pharmacists in UAE. J Pharm Sci Res. 2015;7(7):453-8. Sambakunsi C, Småbrekke L, Varga C, Mponda J. Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to self-medication with antimicrobials in Lilongwe, Malawi. Malawi Med J. 2019;31(4):225-32. Agrawal R, Sharma S, Jaiswal M, Ali SS. Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among second year undergraduate students in Bastar Region: a questionnaire based study. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2019;8(6):1234-9. Araia ZZ, Gebregziabher N, Mesfun AB. Self-medication practice and associated factors among students of Asmara College of Health Sciences, Eritrea: a cross sectional study. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2019; 12:3. Banerjee K, Banerjee MB, Ghosh A. A cross-sectional study on self-medication practices, perception, and attitudes of undergraduate medical students at a government tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2024;17(2):45-50. Barros AR, Griep RH, Rotenberg L. Automedicación entre los trabajadores de Enfermería de hospitales públicos. Rev Latino-Am Enfermagem. 2009;17(6):1015-20. Babu PS, Balu V, Maheswari BU, Dkhar E. A comparative study to assess the prevalence, knowledge of impact, and practice of self-medication among adults in urban and rural communities in Bangalore. Cureus. 2023;15(3): e35789. Bravo AI, Villca C. Automedicación en el personal de enfermería. Rev Enferm Boliv. 2011;10(1):45-50. Gholap MC, Mohite V. Assess the self-medication practices among staff nurses. Indian J Nurs Stud. 2013;4(1):67-72. Katabalo DM, Robert DN, Mwita S, Marwa K. Self-medication during first trimester among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at a district hospital in Mwanza, North-western Tanzania. J Pregnancy Child Health. 2022;9(2):123-9. Mekuria A, Birru EM, Tesfa MT, Amare T. Prevalence and predictors of self-medication practice among teachers’ education training college students in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Front Pharmacol. 2021; 12:594764. Mgbahurike AA, Nenwi GF. Prevalence, knowledge, practice and perception of self-medication among pharmacy students in a Nigerian tertiary institution. J Pharm Res Int. 2020;32(10):45-53. Niriayo Y, Mohammed K, Asgedom SW, Gidey K. Self-medication practice and contributing factors among pregnant women. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(3): e0248172. Osemene K, Lamikanra A. A study of the prevalence of self-medication practice among university students in Southwestern Nigeria. Trop J Pharm Res.2012;11(4):683-9. Pednekar A, Bhandare P, Kerkar SS. Perception and practice of self-medication amongst second year medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2019;8(5):987-92. Seam MOR, Bhatta R, Saha B, Sattar MM. Assessing the perceptions and practice of self-medication among Bangladeshi undergraduate pharmacy students. Pharmacy. 2018;6(1):6. Sharma D, Goel N. Prevalence and predictors of self-medication practice among adults residing in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Chandigarh. Healthline. 2022;13(2):123-30. Sharathkumar K, Shetty R. Impact of self-medication among first and second year para medical students of a teaching hospital in Dakshina Kannada, South India: a comparative assessment. IP Int J Compr Adv Pharmacol. 2019;4(2):67-72. Thuzar M, Aung P. Prevalence of self-medication and its influence in the labor force in rural Hlaing Tharyar, Yangon, Myanmar. Open Public Health J. 2019; 12:123-9. Tohan MM, Ahmed F, Juie IJ, Rahman MA. Knowledge, attitude and convenience on self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh exploration using structural equation modeling approach. Sci Rep. 2024; 14:4567. Tuha A, Faris AG, Mohammed SA, Gobezie MY. Self-medication and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kemisie General Hospital, North East Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2020; 14:847-56. Zewdie S, Andargie A, Kassahun H. Self-medication practices among undergraduate university students in Northeast Ethiopia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2020; 13:137581. James H, Handu SS, Al Khaja KA, Otoom S, Sequeira RP. Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among first-year medical students. Med Princ Pract. 2006;15(4):270-5. World Medical Association. Declaration of Helsinki: ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. Bull World Health Organ. 1964; 31:373-5. Girmaw F, Sendekie AK, Mesfin B, Kassaw AT. Self-medication practices among pregnant women in Ethiopia. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2023; 16:14. Suthar J, Patel S, Solanki R. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of self-medication among the students of private university. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2020;13(5):123-8. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 16 Mar, 2026 Reviews received at journal 06 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 15 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 14 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 08 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 06 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 27 Nov, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 01 Nov, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 01 Nov, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 01 Nov, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 01 Nov, 2025 Editor invited by journal 31 Oct, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 30 Oct, 2025 First submitted to journal 30 Oct, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7714103","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":538466075,"identity":"c600f7e5-1258-4681-8c9d-ed65d8a29c2b","order_by":0,"name":"M. H. Sajid","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Jashore University of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"M.","middleName":"H.","lastName":"Sajid","suffix":""},{"id":538466077,"identity":"ff54eb64-cd79-402c-b33e-e22a0880282b","order_by":1,"name":"T. Hasan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Jashore University of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"T.","middleName":"","lastName":"Hasan","suffix":""},{"id":538466078,"identity":"bf8fbda1-c229-40b2-90b6-a493e54d0817","order_by":2,"name":"F. Haque","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Jashore University of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"F.","middleName":"","lastName":"Haque","suffix":""},{"id":538466079,"identity":"84ea381c-50ae-4a92-b8ee-68d578924b5f","order_by":3,"name":"R. Sharife","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Jashore University of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"R.","middleName":"","lastName":"Sharife","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-09-25 14:38:40","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7714103/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7714103/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":94992612,"identity":"bddb3cb7-dd16-4e69-b83f-10c2a198c713","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-03 07:21:54","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":32330,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"ManuscriptSelfMedicationPractice.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7714103/v1/8ff9db972b20bceb6aafbb2d.docx"},{"id":94992587,"identity":"918ee947-14d2-406f-a9b9-38d2692ba0cc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-03 07:21:49","extension":"json","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":6198,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"8f64e97bde864eccbec752faf6a0fe21.json","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7714103/v1/a6ec7b2b25a682d6ec7c2714.json"},{"id":94992611,"identity":"e25b8cfb-97ba-4f90-a4c6-3eae7f2d13d9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-03 07:21:54","extension":"xml","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":75890,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"8f64e97bde864eccbec752faf6a0fe211enriched.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7714103/v1/fd20d431087940e283b6cc6b.xml"},{"id":94992674,"identity":"e1f9079e-4b38-4173-88b6-f81978c7ddf7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-03 07:21:58","extension":"xml","order_by":3,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":73835,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"8f64e97bde864eccbec752faf6a0fe211structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7714103/v1/e266d162341cec8772aca828.xml"},{"id":94992613,"identity":"28c93d29-e85a-487e-a10c-0b62dec40e46","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-03 07:21:55","extension":"html","order_by":4,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":80948,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7714103/v1/04d4a77df29fdd2b7cc8ebfb.html"},{"id":94992978,"identity":"6412d149-6504-4dd9-9e86-58dd0da7ac45","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-03 07:22:42","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":737824,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7714103/v1/d781a666-bf31-45e1-bc50-455b3daee2d6.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Self Medication Practices and Medicine Distribution Among Hospital Nurses and Their Families Influenced by Drug Accessibility in Clinical Wards","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eSelf-medication, defined as the use of medications without a prescription, is prevalent among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, due to their proximity to medications in clinical settings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Medicine distribution to family members further complicates this issue, as nurses often share ward-acquired drugs with relatives, influenced by cultural practices and easy access [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. In Bangladesh, limited healthcare access and lax regulatory controls exacerbate these practices, increasing risks of adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies have shown that easy access to medications in clinical wards significantly contributes to self-medication among nurses and paramedical staff [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. This study investigates self-medication and medicine distribution practices among nurses in public and private secondary-level hospitals in \u003cb\u003eJashore district\u003c/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eBangladesh\u003c/b\u003e, focusing on prevalence, patterns, awareness gaps, and the influence of drug accessibility in clinical wards [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Methods","content":"\u003ch2\u003e2.1 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Study Design and Setting\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2025 across Jashore 250 Bedded General Hospital (public, tertiary) and three private secondary-level hospitals (Modern Hospital Jessore, Ad-din Sakina Medical College Hospital, and Queens Hospital Pvt. Ltd.) in Jashore district, Bangladesh. These facilities cover departments such as Female Medicine, Male Medicine, Pediatrics, Male Surgery, Female Surgery, Postoperative (Model Ward), Labour Ward, Gynae Ward, EPI, Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Operation Theatre (OT), and Intensive Care Unit (ICU).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.2 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Participants\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sample of 320 nurses was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across public (n=160) and private (n=160) hospitals and departments. Inclusion criteria included registered nurses aged 18\u0026ndash;60 years with at least one year of employment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExclusion criteria included nurses on leave or unwilling to participate.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.3 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Data Collection\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were collected using two validated tools:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSelf-Medication Practice Questionnaire (SMPQ): A 20-item tool assessing frequency,\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etypes, and reasons for self-medication (Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha=0.85) (34).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMedicine Distribution and Awareness Scale (MDAS): An 18-item custom scale evaluating medicine distribution to family members and awareness of risks (Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha=0.82).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe questionnaire was pretested on 15 nurses (excluded from the final sample). Face-to face interviews were conducted by trained research assistants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.4 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Ethical Considerations\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Jashore University of Science and Technology and participating hospitals (JGH/2023/045). Written informed consent was obtained, adhering to the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its amendments [35]. \u003cstrong\u003eClinical trial number:\u003c/strong\u003e not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.5 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Statistical Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, self-medication, and medicine distribution. Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables, including hospital type differences. Logistic regression identified predictors, reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p-value \u0026lt;0.05 was considered significant.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results","content":"\u003ch2\u003e3.1\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Demographic Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study included 320 nurses (79.4% female, mean age 33.1 years, SD=6.8). Most had a diploma in nursing (63.8%) and 1\u0026ndash;5 years of experience (44.1%). The sample was evenly\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003esplit between public (50.0%) and private (50.0%) hospitals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1: Frequency Distribution of Demographic Characteristics (N=320)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"378\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency (n)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender Female\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e254\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e79.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge Group 18\u0026ndash;25 years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e26\u0026ndash;35 years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e36\u0026ndash;45 years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e46+ years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation Diploma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e204\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBachelor\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaster\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience 1\u0026ndash;5 years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e141\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6\u0026ndash;10 years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e11+ years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHospital Type Public\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e160\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrivate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e160\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepartment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFemale Medicine\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale Medicine\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePediatrics\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 138px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOthers\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 112px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e198\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 128px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.2\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Prevalence and Patterns\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelf-medication prevalence was 80.6% (n=258, 95% CI: 76.1\u0026ndash;84.5), with 65.3% (n=209) distributing medications to family members, consistent with findings in Malaysia [11] and Nigeria [3]. Analgesics (67.8%) and antibiotics (31.2%) were most common, aligning with studies reporting high antibiotic misuse [8, 6]. Easy drug accessibility in clinical wards was reported by 72.5% as a key factor, supporting prior research [4]. Private hospitals showed slightly higher self-medication rates (83.1% vs. 78.1%, p=0.21) [2].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 2: Self-Medication and Medicine Distribution Patterns by Hospital Type\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"538\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eItem\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePublic (n=160)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrivate (n=160)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf-medication\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125 (78.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e133 (83.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDistributed medicine to family\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100 (62.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e109 (68.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUsed analgesics\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108 (67.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e109 (68.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUsed antibiotics\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (30.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52 (32.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 234px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eObtained drugs from ward\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e112 (70.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120 (75.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.3 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Awareness Gaps\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MDAS revealed that 38.4% (n=123) of nurses were unaware of risks associated with medicine distribution, and 45.6% lacked knowledge of antibiotic misuse consequences, consistent with awareness gaps noted in India (5) and Ethiopia (9). Awareness was slightly lower in private hospitals (40.6% vs. 36.3%, p=0.39).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.4 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Logistic Regression Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLogistic regression identified years of experience (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01\u0026ndash;1.13, p=0.02), easy ward access (OR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.56\u0026ndash;3.45, p\u0026lt;0.001), low MDAS scores (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.42\u0026ndash;3.11, p\u0026lt;0.001), and private hospital type (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.02\u0026ndash;2.06, p=0.04) as predictors of self-medication and medicine distribution, aligning with findings on workplace access [2, 10].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 3: Logistic Regression Analysis of Predictors\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"402\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOR\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95% CI\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYears of Experience\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.01\u0026ndash;1.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Ward Access\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.56\u0026ndash;3.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow MDAS Score\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.42\u0026ndash;3.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrivate Hospital (vs. Public)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.02\u0026ndash;2.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.99\u0026ndash;1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender (Female vs. Male)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.80\u0026ndash;1.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4 Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe 80.6% self-medication prevalence is consistent with studies in Ethiopia (68\u0026ndash;80%) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e] and India [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e], driven by easy access to ward medications [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Higher rates in private hospitals may reflect less stringent oversight compared to public facilities, as noted in Spain [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Medicine distribution to families (65.3%) aligns with cultural sharing practices in Malaysia [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e] and Nigeria [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Awareness gaps (38.4%) highlight the need for education, as emphasized in India [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] and Malawi [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. The significant role of ward access (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.32) supports findings on workplace influence [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Additional studies in Eritrea [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e], India [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e], Nigeria [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e], Bangladesh [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e], Tanzania [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], Ethiopia [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e], Myanmar [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e], and Spain [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e] further corroborate the global prevalence of self-medication and the role of accessibility in healthcare settings. Limitations include self-reported data and potential social desirability bias. Future research should explore regulatory interventions and longitudinal impacts across public and private settings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eHigh self-medication and medicine distribution in nurse-led families, driven by easy drug access in clinical wards, necessitate stricter hospital policies and targeted educational programs across public and private hospitals in Jashore district to mitigate risks and promote safe practices.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003e6.1 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Ethics Approval and Consent\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Jashore University of Science and Technology and participating hospitals (JGH/2023/045). Written informed consent was obtained, adhering to the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its amendments (35).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6.2 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Consent to Publish\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants consented to anonymized data publication.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6.3 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Funding\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo external funding received.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6.4 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Competing Interests\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone declared.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6.5\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Author Contributions\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM.H. Sajid: Conceptualization, methodology, analysis, writing. T. Hasan: Methodology, editing. R. Sharife: Data collection, review. F. Haque: Supervision, validation. All authors approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6.6 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Data Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable from M.H. Sajid ([email protected]) upon request, subject to ethical approval.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6.7 \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Acknowledgments\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors thank the nurses and caregivers who participated, the authorities of Jashore 250-Bedded General Hospital, Modern Hospital Jessore, Ad-din Sakina Medical College Hospital, Queens Hospital Pvt. Ltd., and Jashore University of Science and Technology for their support. Special thanks to colleagues and staff for assistance during data collection.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMurugan R, Padmavathi T, Hansi B. Analysis of self-medication practices and patterns among the healthcare professionals in a tertiary care hospital. Panacea J Med Sci. 2021;11(2):123-8.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKim C, Han K, Trinkoff A, Baek H. Workplace access, burnout, and prescription drug misuse among Korean hospital nurses: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs.2024;23(1):45.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFakeye T, Adisa R, Olatunji E. Self-medication among hospitalized patients in selected secondary health facilities in South Western Nigeria. Pharm Pract. 2010;8(4):233-7.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGala S, Sinha R, Shyamal M, Ranjit M, Gala R. Evaluation of the pattern of selfmedication among the paramedical support staff in a tertiary care hospital. J Pharm Sci Res. 2015;7(6):321-5.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKudyar P, Rani S, Malhotra P. Knowledge, attitude \u0026amp; practice towards selfmedication among nursing students in a teaching hospital of north India. Indian J Pharm Pharmacol. 2019;6(2):67-72.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBhardwaj R, Sayedda K, Ahmed QS. Analysis of self-medication practice among medical undergraduates: a study in tertiary care teaching hospital, Bareilly. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2017;6(5):1123-7.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCotobal-Calvo EM, Mata-P\u0026eacute;rez C, Bocchino A, Palaz\u0026oacute;n-Fern\u0026aacute;ndez JL. Self-medication practice and associated factors among health professionals in Spain. Nurs Rep. 2025;15(1):12-20.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKassa T, Gedif T, Andualem T, Aferu T. Antibiotics self-medication practices among health care professionals in selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Heliyon. 2022;8(3): e09023.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFekadu G, Dugassa D, Negera GZ, Shibiru T. Self-medication practices and associated factors among health-care professionals in selected hospitals of Western Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2020;14: 353-61.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMeneses M, Bald\u0026aacute;rrago J, Vel\u0026aacute;squez S. Behavior patterns in the automation of the nursing professional against the absence of sanitary prevention policies in a national hospital, 2017. Rev Enferm. 2018;26(2):89-95.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJawahir S, Aziz N. Self-medication among adult population in Selangor, Malaysia. Malays J Pharm Sci. 2017;15(1):45-56.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSharif S, Bugaighis LMT, Sharif RS. Self-medication practice among pharmacists in UAE. J Pharm Sci Res. 2015;7(7):453-8.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSambakunsi C, Sm\u0026aring;brekke L, Varga C, Mponda J. Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to self-medication with antimicrobials in Lilongwe, Malawi. Malawi Med J. 2019;31(4):225-32.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAgrawal R, Sharma S, Jaiswal M, Ali SS. Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among second year undergraduate students in Bastar Region: a questionnaire based study. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2019;8(6):1234-9.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAraia ZZ, Gebregziabher N, Mesfun AB. Self-medication practice and associated factors among students of Asmara College of Health Sciences, Eritrea: a cross sectional study. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2019; 12:3.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBanerjee K, Banerjee MB, Ghosh A. A cross-sectional study on self-medication practices, perception, and attitudes of undergraduate medical students at a government tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2024;17(2):45-50.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBarros AR, Griep RH, Rotenberg L. Automedicaci\u0026oacute;n entre los trabajadores de Enfermer\u0026iacute;a de hospitales p\u0026uacute;blicos. Rev Latino-Am Enfermagem. 2009;17(6):1015-20.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBabu PS, Balu V, Maheswari BU, Dkhar E. A comparative study to assess the prevalence, knowledge of impact, and practice of self-medication among adults in urban and rural communities in Bangalore. Cureus. 2023;15(3): e35789.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBravo AI, Villca C. Automedicaci\u0026oacute;n en el personal de enfermer\u0026iacute;a. Rev Enferm Boliv. 2011;10(1):45-50.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGholap MC, Mohite V. Assess the self-medication practices among staff nurses. Indian J Nurs Stud. 2013;4(1):67-72.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKatabalo DM, Robert DN, Mwita S, Marwa K. Self-medication during first trimester among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at a district hospital in Mwanza, North-western Tanzania. J Pregnancy Child Health. 2022;9(2):123-9.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMekuria A, Birru EM, Tesfa MT, Amare T. Prevalence and predictors of self-medication practice among teachers\u0026rsquo; education training college students in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Front Pharmacol. 2021; 12:594764.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMgbahurike AA, Nenwi GF. Prevalence, knowledge, practice and perception of self-medication among pharmacy students in a Nigerian tertiary institution. J Pharm Res Int. 2020;32(10):45-53.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNiriayo Y, Mohammed K, Asgedom SW, Gidey K. Self-medication practice and contributing factors among pregnant women. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(3): e0248172.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOsemene K, Lamikanra A. A study of the prevalence of self-medication practice among university students in Southwestern Nigeria. Trop J Pharm Res.2012;11(4):683-9.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePednekar A, Bhandare P, Kerkar SS. Perception and practice of self-medication amongst second year medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2019;8(5):987-92.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSeam MOR, Bhatta R, Saha B, Sattar MM. Assessing the perceptions and practice of self-medication among Bangladeshi undergraduate pharmacy students. Pharmacy. 2018;6(1):6.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSharma D, Goel N. Prevalence and predictors of self-medication practice among adults residing in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Chandigarh. Healthline. 2022;13(2):123-30.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSharathkumar K, Shetty R. Impact of self-medication among first and second year para medical students of a teaching hospital in Dakshina Kannada, South India: a comparative assessment. IP Int J Compr Adv Pharmacol. 2019;4(2):67-72.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThuzar M, Aung P. Prevalence of self-medication and its influence in the labor force in rural Hlaing Tharyar, Yangon, Myanmar. Open Public Health J. 2019; 12:123-9.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTohan MM, Ahmed F, Juie IJ, Rahman MA. Knowledge, attitude and convenience on self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh exploration using structural equation modeling approach. Sci Rep. 2024; 14:4567.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTuha A, Faris AG, Mohammed SA, Gobezie MY. Self-medication and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kemisie General Hospital, North East Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2020; 14:847-56.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eZewdie S, Andargie A, Kassahun H. Self-medication practices among undergraduate university students in Northeast Ethiopia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2020; 13:137581.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJames H, Handu SS, Al Khaja KA, Otoom S, Sequeira RP. Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among first-year medical students. Med Princ Pract. 2006;15(4):270-5.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWorld Medical Association. Declaration of Helsinki: ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. Bull World Health Organ. 1964; 31:373-5.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGirmaw F, Sendekie AK, Mesfin B, Kassaw AT. Self-medication practices among pregnant women in Ethiopia. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2023; 16:14.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSuthar J, Patel S, Solanki R. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of self-medication among the students of private university. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2020;13(5):123-8.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Self-medication, Medicine distribution, Nurses, Drug accessibility, Bangladesh","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7714103/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7714103/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSelf-medication and medicine distribution within families are prevalent among nurses due to easy access to medications in clinical wards. This study examines the prevalence, patterns, and awareness gaps of self-medication and medicine distribution in nurse-led families among nurses from public and private secondary-level hospitals in Jashore district, Bangladesh.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was conducted across Jashore 250-Bedded General Hospital and three private hospitals, involving 320 nurses from various departments. Data were collected using the Self-Medication Practice Questionnaire (SMPQ) and Medicine Distribution and Awareness Scale (MDAS). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyzed prevalence and predictors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSelf-medication prevalence was 80.6% (95% CI: 76.1\u0026ndash;84.5), with 65.3% distributing medications to family members. Analgesics (67.8%) and antibiotics (31.2%) were commonly used. Easy ward access was a significant predictor (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.32, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Awareness gaps were noted in 38.4% of nurses. Private hospital nurses showed higher self-medication rates (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.45, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.04).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh self-medication and medicine distribution, driven by easy drug access, necessitate stricter controls and educational interventions across public and private hospitals to promote safe practices.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Self Medication Practices and Medicine Distribution Among Hospital Nurses and Their Families Influenced by Drug Accessibility in Clinical Wards","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-03 07:13:18","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7714103/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-03-16T16:14:01+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-06T07:54:25+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-15T10:55:05+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-14T05:13:38+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"228854145414912192190039842535248319327","date":"2026-01-08T10:02:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"78260628404631737884607329961378873942","date":"2026-01-07T03:38:10+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-27T19:41:35+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"236515886857278984217718038607862175552","date":"2025-11-01T13:42:13+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"235976653793336273036544454205072815012","date":"2025-11-01T13:31:22+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-11-01T11:25:32+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-11-01T11:19:01+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-10-31T15:07:04+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-10-30T17:10:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Public Health","date":"2025-10-30T17:08:21+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Public Health](https://link.springer.com/journal/12982)","snPcode":"12982","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/12982/3","title":"Discover Public Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"420d0223-477d-4455-a827-bf87aeade24f","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 3rd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-11T12:14:02+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-03 07:13:18","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7714103","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7714103","identity":"rs-7714103","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}