ArticleCureus2023
Utilization of Over-the-Counter Painkillers Among Medical Students During Academic Examinations.
Article in Cureus, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Self-Reported Ongoing Medication Use Among Pharmacy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Professional development is the key to securing a future rheumatology workforce. Long term evaluation of a summer school for medical students-a national scientific society's educational initiative.Frontiers in medicine · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The utilization of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers among medical students during academic exams has raised concerns about health risks and potential implications, including substance abuse and academic performance. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of OTC painkiller utilization among medical students at Alfaisal University during academic exams. Additionally, the study explored and identified the factors that influenced the patterns of OTC painkiller utilization among these students. The study was conducted from January to May 2023, following approval from the Institutional Review Board. The research involved surveying medical students of different genders, nationalities, and academic years during examination periods. Out of 1,500 medical students, 194 participated, resulting in a response rate of approximately 13%. The study results revealed that 50.5% of medical students used OTC painkillers during exams. While there were no significant variations based on gender or nationality, the prevalence of OTC painkiller utilization varied significantly across academic years. During exam periods, the primary reason reported for using OTC painkillers was pain management. Additionally, some students mentioned using OTC painkillers to seek relaxation, improve sleep, enhance concentration, and stay alert. These insights shed light on the coping strategies practiced by students during high-stress academic periods. Most participants demonstrated familiarity with the guidelines for safe OTC painkiller utilization. Although the majority used painkillers infrequently or as needed, a subgroup reported increased utilization during exams. This finding highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and health education initiatives to prevent or address potential OTC painkiller abuse among medical students during exam periods. Ensuring the well-being of medical students is a priority, and appropriate measures should be employed to address any emerging concerns related to substance abuse. By addressing these issues proactively, educational institutions can promote a healthier academic environment during exam periods.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.