Prevalence and Risk Factors of Self-Medication in Two Health Districts in Douala, Cameroon: Bonassama and Cite des Palmiers

Abstract

Aims: The World Health Organisation defines self-medication as the act of selection and use of medicine by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses and symptoms or by health professionals to use drugs not prescribed by the treating physician. WHO has reported a prevalence of self-medication of 32.5% to 81.5% worldwide. In Cameroon a prevalence of 67,8%, and 41,9% has been reported in some studies. This study sought to assess the socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence, associated risk factors and the common medications of self-medication at the Bonassama and Cite des Palmiers Health Districts of Douala, Cameroon. Place and duration of the study: the study was conducted from December 2022 to May 2023 in two health districts in Douala, Bonassama and Cite des Palmiers. Methodology: It was a descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic, reasons for self-medication, class of medications commonly self-medicated data was collected. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses will be made by Chi square and Fisher’s exact test and reported as odd ratios, adjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: 83% of participants carried out the practice of self-medication. One of the major reasons for self-medicate was the fact that they thought that the illness was not serious with a prevalence of 46,6%, followed by cost saving (33,2%). The most common disease treated by self-medication was headache (81,5%), and the most represented class of drug were analgesics (84,7%); drugs were bought in community pharmacies (64,7%) and illicit market (44,9%). The statistically significant reasons for self-medication were cost saving, convenience, not serious illness, prior experience, long wait times in hospitals and accessibility of pharmacies. Conclusion: Self-medication is a widespread practice throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. This study has illuminated the prevalence and causes of self-medication in our environment. The prevalence of self-medication is high due to several factors and arguments, including cost saving, convenience, illness was not serious, prior experience, long wait times at hospitals, and availability of pharmacies.