ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF RATIONALE USE OF MEDICINES AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Rational Use of Medicines (RUM) is a cornerstone of effective healthcare, ensuring patients receive appropriate drugs in proper doses for adequate periods at minimal cost. Despite established WHO guidelines, irrational medicine use remains prevalent globally, underscoring the need for robust medical education on rational prescribing practices.

Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 180 undergraduate medical students and interns at a teaching medical college. Knowledge of RUM was assessed using a structured, validated questionnaire covering WHO principles, essential medicines, personal drugs (P-drugs), polypharmacy, and antibiotic stewardship. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results: Only 26.7% of students demonstrated good knowledge of RUM, while 45.6% had average knowledge and 27.8% had poor knowledge. Awareness was highest for the concept of essential medicines (80.6%) and polypharmacy hazards (72.2%), while understanding of P-drugs was notably low (36.1%). Interns exhibited significantly better knowledge (45% good) compared to 2nd-year students (11.1%) (P < 0.05). Textbooks (88.9%) and medical apps (69.4%) were the most frequently used information sources.
Conclusion: The study revealed moderate overall knowledge of RUM among students, improving with academic progression and clinical exposure. However, gaps persist in key areas like the P-drug concept and antibiotic stewardship. Integrating structured, practical training modules on rational prescribing into the undergraduate curriculum is essential to foster evidence-based, patient-centered therapeutic decision-making.