Experimed, vol.9, no.1, pp.32-38, 2019 (Scopus)
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the awareness of rational drug use among university students studying health sciences (SA) and non-health sciences (SAD). Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to 250 students studying in İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University between January and October 2017. The questionnaire consists of 30 questions including demographic characteristics and drug using habits. It also covers the basic principles of rational drug use, and drug supply behaviors are also questioned. The findings were evaluated on the basis of total participants, comparison of SA and SAD groups as well as comparison of Pharmacy Students (EF group) and health sciences except pharmacy students group (EFD-SA group). Results: When the findings are evaluated, it is seen that the EF group taking the courses on rational drug use and courses on pharmacology and pharmacology related courses given in this perspective were more compatible with the principles of rational drug use compared to the EFD-SA group. In addition, it was observed that SA group students were more rational in terms of drug use compared to SAD group. Conclusion: It is predicted that pharmacy students who exhibited the highest level of rational drug use behaviors based on the education they received, will be effective in supporting and developing the role of pharmacists in the eyes of the public and and promoting rational drug use. In this context, we think that it will be beneficial to promote not only education and studies related rational drug use but also those emphasizing the importance of the pharmacist’s consultancy service.