KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG ADULT PATIENTS AGED 18 YEARS AND ABOVE RECEIVING HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN THE EYE CLINIC OF JINJA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Purpose of the study This was to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of self-medication among adult patients aged 18 years and above receiving health care services in the eye clinic of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, carried out from November 2022 to April 2023. Study methods A cross-sectional descriptive study design employing both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was used in the form of a questionnaire, 30 patients aged 18 years and above who agreed to be included in the study were used. Results Concerning knowledge about self-medication, it revealed that respondents could identify OTC drugs they always use, data analysis and interpretation revealed that respondents’ attitude towards the use of self-medication is still high (50%). Concerning practices of self-medication, between 1st December 2022-1st March 2023, the majority (43.5%) had practiced between January and February 2023, 30% had practiced within the last two weeks according to the time frame of the study, and only 26.1% had last used in December 2022, which showed that self-medication practice is still high within the region. Conclusion Given these findings, there is still a high need to sensitize the population about the knowledge of OTC drugs, the dangers associated with frequent and prolonged use of these drugs, and how to use them safely. Recommendations The government through the Ministry of Health should sensitize the population about the risk factors of wrong use of OTC drugs and the dangers of traditional medicines. It should also extend its health facilities to all areas of the country, and as well make them active by providing drugs and qualified personnel and as well improve the services of the already existing facilities so that people can get help.