The practice of self-medication for treatment of illnesses for under-five children by mothers in ibadan, Nigeria

Kabiru K Salami,Olubukola J Adesanwo

doi:10.7243/2057-3111-2-2

Abstract

Abstract The required ability of individuals to practise 'responsible self-medication' on minor ailments without medical practitioners' attention is demonstrably lacking among mothers of under-five children in Nigeria. There are few

Highlights

Self-medication is undeniably a major global practice which influences individuals’ behaviour while taking decision concerning their health
The universal practice of self-medication and irrational use of drugs as a major public health concern [1] among human population [2] drove the World Health Organization to recognize the phenomenon as a crucial part of public health care system [3] referred to as ‘responsible selfmedication’ [4]
It is an integral part of self-care which can be considered as primary public health resource in the health care system

Summary

Introduction

Self-medication is undeniably a major global practice which influences individuals’ behaviour while taking decision concerning their health. Self-medication is a way to encourage individuals to look after minor ailments with simple and effective antidotes that have been adopted globally [8,9] It is an integral part of self-care which can be considered as primary public health resource in the health care system. Responsible self-medication, especially where treatment of family members such as children and elderly are involved, is tailored around the advice of pharmacists for any medicinal products that are intended for self-medication [3,4]. This provides possibilities for some potential benefits in relation to healthrelated decision-making process, if applied correctly. The practice of self-medication for treatment of illnesses for under-five children by mothers is what this study documents by examining the prevalence of illness among children of under-five years, the practice of and the factors that influence self-medication among mothers of under-five children, the perception of self-medication and attitude of the mothers towards self-medication in Nigeria

Methods

Results

Discussion