Medical students' healthcare seeking-behavior: A cross-sectional study from Sudan

Healthcare-seeking behavior plays a crucial role in early diagnosis and effective treatment. In conflict-affected low-income communities like Sudan, factors affecting healthcare-seeking behavior and the rationale for engaging in self-medication practices can vary tremendously in comparison to stable communities. Responsibilities placed upon medical students who faced displacement are substantial within their host communities. This study aims to explore the role of armed conflict and the displacement crisis in reshaping the factors affecting the healthcare-seeking behavior and self-medication practices of medical students in Sudan. A Quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted targeting displaced medical students enrolled in different public and private universities across Sudan. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed participant's social data, health awareness and help-seeking behavior, preference for health facilities and self-diagnosing and self-medication practices. Among the 2410 participants, most were females (64%) and over 21 year old (72.4%), 66.7% understood health as multidimensional, yet only 12.1% prioritize social well-being. Self-medication practices was reported by 36.6% of participants, particularly with antibiotics, vitamins and NSAIDS. Older students ≥21, males and those in advanced academic years were more likely to practice self-diagnosing and self-medication. Higher academic years (odds ratio [OR] for fourth year = 1.94) and Urban residency (OR = 1.28) were more associated with positive health attitudes. Private university students were less likely to seek care from their own college hospitals (OR = 0.78). Repeated displacement was linked to poorer attitudes toward health realization (OR = 0.62) and reduced trust in their own health facilities (OR = 0.58). The study showed low awareness of mental and social health and a high prevalence of self-medication among Sudanese medical students, especially analgesics and vitamins. Health education campaigns and empowerment of health infrastructure can help to improve access to healthcare services.