Self-Medication: A Response to Illness among Undergraduate Students of Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined self-medication as a response to illness situations and its implications for healthy living among undergraduate students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study adopted the Theory of Reasoned Action. A cross sectional research design was used in the study and was carried out at the Federal University of Lafia among undergraduate students of the University. A purposive sampling technique was implemented for the selection of respondents. A sample size of 400 was obtained using Rao (1985) determination formula. Data was collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The analysis was accomplished using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicated a high rate of self-medication among undergraduates of the Federal University of Lafia. Both traditional and orthodox medicines were self-medicated among the undergraduates of FULafia. Self-medication was influenced by availability, accessibility, and affordability of drugs by the undergraduates. It was concluded that, self-medication helps as a response to illness, but it has both negative and positive implications on the healthy living of the students of the Federal University of Lafia, therefore, the school management should situate health facilities on the campus so as to enhance students’ free and easy access to healthcare whenever the need arises.