Self-medication among rural residents in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is becoming an increasingly important component of healthcare in both developing and developed countries and has the potential to do good as well as cause harm. The prevalence of irresponsible self-medication is high all over the world. This study aimed to assess self-medication among rural residents in Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ijede community, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling method was used to select 337 adult respondents. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Majority (315, 93.5%) of the respondents had good knowledge about self-medication; 334 (94.1%) had a positive attitude against the use of self-medication; and 311 (92.3%) practiced self-medication. There was no association between the respondents’ overall knowledge and their practice of self-medication. The practice of self-medication was significantly higher among respondents with the highest level of education (odds ratio 4.3, confidence interval 1.3–14.3). Conclusions: Majority of the respondents had good knowledge about self-medication and a positive attitude against the practice. Despite the high level of education and the awareness of side effects, majority of them still practiced self-medication. There should be an increase in awareness and continuous education in the community regarding the importance of professional consultation before drug use, the implications of irresponsible self-medication, and the place of responsible self-medication.