Basamih Khalid Abdulrahman, Almarjan Asayil Yousef, Alharbi Faeqah Raja Allah, Salaemae Khalid Fawzi, Badahdah Sarah Naif, Jaha Zuhaa Shihab, Mandourah Anmar Jamil
Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Department of Community Medicine, Teaching Assistant, College of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Adv Med Educ Pract. 2025 Apr 5;16:545-555. doi: 10.2147/AMEP.S485866. eCollection 2025.
High levels of stress and anxiety are prevalent among medical students worldwide, often leading to the use of beta blockers to alleviate these symptoms. However, self-prescribing these drugs poses considerable health risks, raising concerns about the widespread, unregulated use of such medications in medical student populations.
This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and perceptions of self-prescribed beta blocker use among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Saudi Arabia, focusing on understanding the influences behind this behavior.
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among UQU medical students, including males and females from their second to sixth year and those in internships. Students who did not complete the survey or used prescribed beta blockers were excluded, a Raosoft sample size calculator was used to determine the minimum sample size for this study. Data were collected on demographics, usage patterns, reasons for use, and associated perceptions. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Version 22 to identify factors associated with beta blocker use.
Out of 809 participants, 42 (5.2%) reported using beta blockers, mainly for anxiety relief and performance enhancement. The majority (69.0%) self-prescribed the medication, with 76.2% using it on an "as-needed" basis. While 81% of participants were aware of potential side effects, 31% experienced them. Peer influence played a significant role, with 61.9% of users receiving recommendations from friends or classmates.
This study identified a notable incidence of self-prescribed beta blocker use among medical students at UQU. The findings highlight the need for educational programs to encourage responsible medication practices. Future research should focus on the broader social dynamics influencing this behavior and the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the risks associated with self-prescription.
全球医学生中普遍存在高度的压力和焦虑，这常常导致他们使用β受体阻滞剂来缓解这些症状。然而，自行开具这些药物会带来相当大的健康风险，引发了人们对这类药物在医学生群体中广泛、无监管使用的担忧。
本研究旨在评估沙特阿拉伯乌姆古拉大学（UQU）医学生自行开具β受体阻滞剂的患病率、模式及认知情况，重点了解这种行为背后的影响因素。
对UQU的医学生进行了一项横断面在线调查，包括二至六年级的男女学生以及实习生。未完成调查或使用过处方β受体阻滞剂的学生被排除在外，使用Raosoft样本量计算器确定本研究的最小样本量。收集了关于人口统计学、使用模式、使用原因及相关认知的数据。使用IBM SPSS 22版进行统计分析，以确定与β受体阻滞剂使用相关的因素。
在809名参与者中，42人（5.2%）报告使用过β受体阻滞剂，主要用于缓解焦虑和提高表现。大多数（69.0%）自行开具药物，76.2%按需使用。虽然81%的参与者知晓潜在副作用，但仍有31%经历过副作用。同伴影响起到了重要作用，61.9%的使用者从朋友或同学处获得推荐。
本研究发现UQU医学生中自行开具β受体阻滞剂的情况较为显著。研究结果凸显了开展教育项目以鼓励合理用药行为的必要性。未来的研究应关注影响这种行为的更广泛社会动态，以及制定针对性干预措施以降低自行开具药物相关风险。
