Self-Medication Behaviors: Determinants, Motivations, and Safety Practices Among Health Sciences Students

Background/Objectives: Self-medication (SM) is a global public health phenomenon with both benefits and risks. Evidence on its determinants remains inconsistent, particularly among university students, and limited in Central and Eastern Europe despite high OTC availability and variable health literacy. This study aimed to assess SM behaviors among health sciences students and identify sociodemographic and health-related determinants of OTC use. Methods: The cross-sectional CAWI survey was conducted between November 2024 and March 2025 among 435 students of the Medical University of Warsaw selected through purposive sampling. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed in the study population to characterize respondents practicing SM. Detailed analyses of SM behaviors included only respondents reporting self-medication (n = 278; 64.2%). Associations between sociodemographic and health-related characteristics and selected SM behaviors were assessed using the chi-square (χ2) test, with false discovery rate correction applied using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. Questionnaire reliability was confirmed using Cohen’s kappa coefficients ranging from 0.63 to 1.00. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The most commonly used medicines were analgesics (97.5%), vitamins (54.7%), and antipyretics (48.2%). Adjusted multivariable analysis showed that the odds of SM were higher among women (AOR = 4.11, 95% CI = 2.11–8.02), Emergency Medical Services students (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.45–8.75), master’s degree students (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.96–5.88), and students living in large cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.43–5.00). Motivations, perceived benefits, risks, and adherence to package leaflet instructions differed significantly by respondent characteristics. Conclusions: SM behaviors are influenced by sociodemographic and health-related factors. Targeted education on rational OTC use, professional responsibility, and critical appraisal of health information is needed. Safe SM practices among health sciences students may support their future role in promoting responsible self-medication.