Oztora, SerdarNepesova, GulnarCaylan, AyseDagdeviren, Hamdi Nezih2024-06-122024-06-1220170970-938X0976-1683https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14551/23769Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the drug utilization of patients without consulting a doctor in Edirne. Methods: Out of 6133 patients over 18 y of age admitted to 19 Family Health Centers located in the city center, 36.8% (n=1781) agreed to participate. Patients with communication problems were excluded. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers was filled out face-to-face. Results: According to patient's responses, 62.5% (n=1113) of patients did not use any drugs without consulting a doctor, while 37.5% of them did (n=668). There was no significant difference between genders. Students, high-income group and postgraduates had the highest proportion of self-medication. For the reason of using drugs without consulting (n=668), 53.3% (n=356) said I used a previously successful drug, 25.6% (n=171) said it was an emergency and 10.8% (n=72) said drug is cheaper than consultation. Of these drugs, 88.5% (n=591) were pain killers, 51.5% (n=344) were cold medicines and 12.7% (n=85) were vitamins. Conclusion: Self-medication and over-the-counter drugs are significant problems resulting in irrational drug use. People with higher education and economic level seem to have a tendency in self-medication and irrational drug use, thus health education and health literacy should be emphasized and included in the curriculum in every education level, apart from formal education. While doctors play a key role in rational drug use, other health professionals like pharmacists should also be involved.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessSelf-MedicationPrescriptionOTC DrugsDrug UtilizationTurkeyArticle281461606164N/AWOS:0004073252000122-s2.0-85029542549N/A