Use of eye drops self-medication in Aseer region, Southern Saudi Arabia

Background: Self-medication is defined as the use of drugs to manage a self-diagnosed disease or complaint, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. Self-medication includes getting medications without a prescription, resubmitting old prescriptions to buy medicines, sharing medicines with relatives or members of one's social circle, or using leftover medicines stored at home. Risks are related to many factors including not only the possible severe side effects of the drug itself, but also hazardous because of improper treatment. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used targeting all population in Aseer region. The study was conducted during the period from May 2020 to August 2020. Data were collected using structured questionnaire which was developed by the researchers after intensive literature review and expert's consultation. The questionnaire data included person's socio-demographic data such as age, gender, and education. The second section of the questionnaire covered eye drops self-medication data. The questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms by the researchers and their relatives and friends to be filled in by all population in Aseer region. Results: A total of 209 participants completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 65 years old with mean age of 32.9 +/- 11.6 years. Exactly 152 (72.7%) participants were females and 158 (75.6%) had educational level of university or more. Regarding persons who advised participants to use eye drops, the most reported was the person themself (34.4%; 72) followed by family and friends (29.2%), and pharmacist (20.6%). As for causes of using unprescribed eye drops, 105 (50.2%) participants used the eye drops for itching in the eye, followed by eye redness (47.4%), eye pain (22.5%). Regarding side effects of used drops, the most reported was excessive lacrimation (5.7%), followed by blurred vision (5.7%), and eye inflammations (4.3%), Conclusions: In conclusion, the study revealed that there is a large portion of Aseer region population practicing self-medicating behavior based on their own concept or advice from friends and family most of the time, without consulting a specialized physician.