Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about rational drug use of students studying in the health and non-health departments at Harran University during the COVID-19 pandemic period

During the Covid-19 pandemic, students access to healthcare services and medication usage habits changed. We examined Health Area (HA) and Non-Health Area (NHA) students in regards to Rational Drug Use (RDU) before Pandemic Period (BPP) and during Pandemic Period (PP). The study was conducted with 600 students at Harran University (300 in HA and 300 in NHA). The survey had 46 questions measuring participants' demographic characteristics and RDU-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors during BPP and PP.The survey was administered online using a cross-sectional research method, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS program. The study found that 68.2% of students visited a doctor when feeling ill during BPP and PP. In PP, students in the HA exhibited a higher rate of doctor visits compared to NHA students. In PP, 24.83% of students believed that pharmacists couldn't provide medication recommendations, with this belief being more prevalent among NHA students. During BPP and PP, one-third of students in both HA and NHA used non-prescription drugs. 73.8% of students used herbal products and mixtures. HA students used herbal products more than NHA students, preferring honey, ginger, carob, and turmeric. Antidepressant and Vitamin D usage increased among both groups of students, while NHA students resorted to Vitamin C. In conclusion, we identified that students in both groups at Harran University exhibited behaviors inconsistent with RDU during PP. To establish proper RDU during potential future pandemic periods, it is essential to organize various educational and seminar programs for university students on this topic.