الفهرس 
Review of LiteratureOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Self-medication is the obtaining and consumption of a drug without the advice of physician either for diagnoses, prescription or surveillance of the treatment or medication of one self. It is commonly including over the counter (OTC) drugs and prescription only medications (POMs), simultaneously it contains the use of herbs, purchasing medicines by reutilizing, resubmitting a prior prescription, using medicine on recommendation of a relative or others or using leftover drugs already accessible at home.
Self-medication is a global health issue especially in developing countries such as Egypt, it is commonly used, and its over usage can lead to various health hazards e.g. Antibiotic resistance and serious adverse effects from the drugs. Antimicrobial resistance is current problem worldwide particularly in developing countries like Egypt where antibiotics are available in private pharmacies without any prescription.
We are on the edge of sword whether to promote SM or not. Hence, the health authorities and governments should take essential steps to control responsible SM. This can be accomplished by making available ability of safe medicines together with appropriate instructions regarding its usage and if in demand consulting a doctor.
This study aimed to describe the pattern, prevalence of SM practices, possible etiological factors and reasons, symptoms requiring SM and sources of advice among adults in two different regions (slum and urban) with different socioeconomic status. The current cross-sectional study includes 150 adults all attending two private pharmacies completed a predesigned self- administered interview questionnaire on SM practices.
A majority of participants practiced SM with a high prevalence rate (73.4%) mostly using drugs including herbs without medical consultation. Residence and family expenses of SES were major determinants of SM. Common cold, headache, cough and gastrointestinal diseases were the most common illnesses suffered b participants opting for SM and they tended to select SM if the illness was minor. The most frequently consumed drugs were common cold preparations, analgesics for headache, cough sedatives and vitamins followed by herbal remedies and antibiotics.
Self-medicated drugs solved the symptoms according to 44% of users but only 26.7% of them prefer herbs. SPSS analysis revealed that residence (F1; 10.1, p= 0.002 and F2; 11.2 p = 0.001), and family expenses (F; 5.51 p = 0.005) were the independent determinant variables in SES significantly affecting the practice of SM.
The prevalence of SM including herbs among adults in urban and rural areas of Cairo, Egypt is high which constitutes a common health problem that needs intervention. The pharmacist in his or her professional capacity is competent enough to provide customers sound advice on the drugs and herbs being supplied.
Our findings suggest that more restrict regulations on over the counter (OTCs) and prescription only medicines (POMs) maybe required reducing health risks related to SM. Targeted public health education program aimed at improving the quality of SM behavior should be considered. Our findings have also major public health policy implications for developing countries like Egypt.