Self-Medication Experience and Healthcare Trust Among Youth: A Regionally Concentrated Digital Survey in Indonesia

Wahyudi Wahyudi, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Deli Serdang 20353, North Sumatera, IndonesiaFollow
Azra Muzaiyana Nasution, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Deli Serdang 20353, North Sumatera, Indonesia
Arini Dwi Rahmadani, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Deli Serdang 20353, North Sumatera, Indonesia
Alysa Rahmadani Hasibuan, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Deli Serdang 20353, North Sumatera, Indonesia

ORCID

Wahyudi Wahyudi: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0215-9563

Azra Muzaiyana Nasution: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5529-9830

Arini Dwi Rahmadani: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5578-7722

Alysa Rahmadani Hasibuan: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3133-3726

Abstract

Self-medication has become a central experience for youth transitioning toward independent medical decision-making. In the digital era, young people must navigate a complex landscape of health information while seeking independent health solutions. This study investigates self-medication experiences and healthcare trust among youth, utilizing a regionally concentrated digital survey approach in Indonesia. Data were collected via a cross-sectional approach using digital platforms (Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X), facilitated by 76 trained enumerators. While respondents from all 38 provinces participated, the sample (N = 2,790) exhibits a major geographical concentration in the Sumatra region. The study employed a validated 16-item instrument to evaluate health-seeking behaviors, following a 100-participant comprehensibility pilot study. Among the total respondents, 2,168 (77.71%) reported active self-medication experiences (mean age 20.05 ± 1.97 years; 71.61% female). These independent choices were primarily driven by perceived mild symptoms (84.59%) and prominent operational barriers at primary health centers, specifically long waiting times (35.65%), driving them toward the convenience of independent health management. Notably, among the self-medicating subsample (n = 2,168), 51.75% (n = 1,122) utilized non-prescription antibiotics, representing 40.21% of the total sample. In navigating self-medication, respondents relied on drug packaging labels (71.22%) and pharmacist advice (46.96%), with drowsiness being the most frequent adverse reaction (38.42%). Ultimately, a fundamental erosion of trust in formal healthcare, coupled with the convenience of independent decision-making, drives this cohort to pursue self-medication. This trend requires urgent interventions to rebuild clinical trust, as high non-prescription antibiotic use directly amplifies the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Recommended Citation

Wahyudi W, Nasution A, Rahmadani A, Hasibuan A. Self-Medication Experience and Healthcare Trust Among Youth: A Regionally Concentrated Digital Survey in Indonesia. Patient Experience Journal. ; 13(2):131-141. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2136.