Unsafe Ophthalmic Self-Medication and Its Associated Factors Among Palestinian Adults: An Online Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Supervisor Name
Haneen Shalalda
Supervisor Email
ha89neen@msn.com
University
Al-Quds University
Research field
Medical Sciences
Bio
I am Dr. Haneen Shalalda, an ophthalmologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Quds University in Palestine. I completed my medical education and ophthalmology specialization at Saint John Eye Hospital. I am passionate about clinical practice, medical education, and continuous professional development, with a commitment to providing quality eye care and contributing to the education and training of future physicians.
Description
This study aims to assess the frequency of non-prescribed ophthalmic antibiotic and corticosteroid use among Palestinian adults and investigate associated demographic, healthcare-access, and medication-acquisition factors. An anonymous Arabic-language online questionnaire will be used to collect self-reported data from adults aged 18 years and older residing in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The study will also examine potentially unsafe practices, including sharing eye drops and using expired products. Findings may help identify gaps in public awareness and inform future educational interventions promoting the safe use of ophthalmic medications.