Self-medication Practices Research Articles

Factors affecting treatment delays among malaria patients presenting at health facilities in Guinea, 2022–2023

BackgroundEarly identification and management of cases are key for controlling and eliminating malaria. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with the delay malaria treatment in Guinea.MethodsCross-sectional study was conducted at 60 health facilities in eight administrative regions from December 2022 to March 2023. Patients with a diagnosis of malaria through either microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Treatment delays were defined as seeking care 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with treatment delay. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were used to explain the associated factors.Results3,300 malaria patients were included and the findings showed a median time of symptoms onset and access of malaria treatment was 3.04 days. Alarmingly, only 800 (24.24%) of all cases sought and received treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. The multivariate logistic regression indicated that children under 5 years of age who attempted self-medication for fever were 4.32 times more likely to experience a delay in treatment than those who sought immediate medical care in health facilities (OR:4.32, 95% CI: 2.96–6.36). Children whose parents had no formal education were 3.05 times more likely to experience a delay in treatment (OR:3.05, 95% CI: 1.66–5.60). Moreover, when the disease was considered non-severe the first time by caregivers, OR = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.26–2.33). For those 5 years old and above, using university hospital OR = 4.01, (95% CI: 2.01–8.44), living in Forest Guinea OR = 3.14, (95% CI 1.93–5.10) and Middle Guinea OR = 1.46 (95% CI: 1.09–1.95) were more likely to experience delay treatment.ConclusionsThe proportion of malaria patients with treatment within 48 is low, significantly falling short of the national targets. This substantial delay in treatment was attributed to factors such the lack of formal education, self-medication practices, and failure to recognize the illness severity. These findings underscore the urgent need for NMCP to enhance awareness regarding the importance of early presentation at health facilities, with targeted interventions.

Self-Medication Paths: A Descriptive Study Unveiling the Interplay Between Medical and Nonmedical Cannabis in Chronic Pain Management.

Cannabis is used by one-third of people living with chronic pain to alleviate their symptoms despite warnings from several organizations regarding its efficacy and safety. We currently know little about self-medication practices (use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes without guidance), mainly since the legalization of recreational cannabis in countries such as Canada has expanded the scope of this phenomenon. This study aimed to describe legal cannabis self-medication for pain relief in people living with chronic pain and to explore perceptions of the effectiveness and safety of cannabis. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed among 73 individuals living with chronic pain and using cannabis (Quebec, Canada). Data collection using telephone interviews occurred in early 2023. Results indicated that 61.6% of participants reported using cannabis without the guidance of a health care professional (self-medication). Surprisingly, among those, 40.0% held a medical authorization. Overall, 20.6% of study participants were using both medical and legal nonmedical cannabis. Different pathways to self-medication were revealed. Proportion of women versus men participants self-medicating were 58.2% versus 70.6% ( P =0.284). In terms of perceptions, 90.4% of the sample perceived cannabis to be effective for pain management; 72.6% estimated that it posed no or minimal health risk. Cannabis research is often organized around medical versus nonmedical cannabis but in the real-world, those 2 vessels are connected. Interested parties, including researchers, health care professionals, and funding agencies, need to consider this. Patients using cannabis feel confident in the safety of cannabis, and many of them self-medicate, which calls for action.

Self-diagnosis and self-medication based on internet search among Non-Medical University students of Karachi.

For a decade, the topic of self-diagnosis and self-medication has gained significant attention due to the widespread availability of information on the internet and over-the-counter medication. This research explores the rational considerations behind individuals' self-diagnosis and self-medication practices. Our main objective is to find out the frequency of self-diagnosis and self-medication in the general population and its associated risks and benefits. A cross-sectional community-based prospective study was conducted over 7 months and included 160 students from various nonmedical universities in Karachi. A questionnaire regarding baseline characteristics, self-medication, and self-diagnosis was made, and the data was collected from the participants and then analyzed using SPSS statistical software. One-fifth of the participants used the method of diagnosing themselves regularly, whereas 9% of the involved population demonstrated medicating themselves very often. However, most of the population had self-diagnosed (50.6) or self-medicated (61.9) sometimes. The internet was the primary source of searching (75%), and home remedies were the preferred medications (71.7%). The two primary reasons for this were the scarcity of time and resources. Overall, our study points out the significance of self-medication and self-diagnosis among different nonmedical students of Karachi. Teaching people about medicines, enforcing strong prescription policies, and providing medical facilities are vital steps toward preventing this problem. The role of doctors and medical students is significant; therefore, detailed doctor-patient communication needs to be encouraged.

Self-medication Practices Among Population

Self-medication Practices Among Population

Prevalence and association of self-medication practices with personal and educational factors among university employees of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background and Objective: Self-medication (SM) is an emerging practice in both developing and developed countries. The commonality of this behavior is observed in patients with specific environments. The current study endeavored to determine the prevalence of SM practices and their correlated factors among academic employees in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Saud University Hospital, recruiting 383 participants. The participants received an online survey on self-medication practices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results: In the study, all the participants reported practicing SM at least one time. Of those who practiced SM, 66.7% (102) were unmarried with a significant difference (P = 0.036) while 68.0% (117) had no children (P = 0.003). Non-Government employees and unemployed participants had the highest percentage of experiencing SM (70.5%, n = 31, P = 0.036). Our results reveal that health perceiving, life satisfaction, and religious reasons were not significantly associated with practicing SM with P value = 0.704, 0.535, and 0.482, respectively. In the univariate model, gender, marital status, and the number of children revealed a significant correlation with SM (P value = 0.136, 0.058, and 0.040), respectively. SM was 1.4 times as likely if the participant was female and 1.3 if the participant was unmarried. The multivariate regression model shows that gender and marital status lost their significance while number of children (P = 0.023) was significantly correlated with SM. Our results also show the main reasons for self-medication were prior knowledge (25%), time-consuming consultations (21.6%), the belief that the condition did not require a doctor (22.4%), and previous experience with similar symptoms (23%) while major causative clinical conditions involved in SM is pain (37.5%) and fever (28.4%). It also shows that 33% experienced no side effects and 34% experienced shortness of breath as a side effect of practicing SM. Conclusion: Our study spotted a significant frequency of SM behavior with high prevalence among University employees. Our study shows that gender, marital status, and number of children have a significant correlation with SM. The pharmacist’s role is pivotal in promoting awareness for the safe utilization of over-the-counter drugs, and their proactive engagement is paramount. Educational health programs should be implemented to minimize SM malpractice.

Comparative Analysis of Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics Among Non-Medical and Medical College Students in India

Background: Self-medication is prevalent globally, making the processes easier but raising potential hazards like antibiotic resistance. College students, influenced by social media, exhibit alarming self-medication behaviours. This cross-sectional study surveyed undergraduate students across medical, nursing, and non-health science institutions to assess the self-medication habits, knowledge and attitude of students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across various educational institutions from August 2023 to February 2024, targeting undergraduate students aged 18 and over. Using a pre-validated questionnaire, data on socio-demography, self-medication with antibiotics, and related knowledge were collected via Google Forms. The sample size was doubled to 1175 for better statistical power. Data analysis was performed using standard statistical tools. Results: Analysis of data demonstrated that a substantive proportion of students self-medicate with antibiotics. For medical students, convenience was the biggest issue and for non-medical students, it was cost-saving coupled with distrust in doctors. The most common complaint received for self-medication was throat pain. Medical students used textbooks for necessary information whereas non-medical students went to local shops for advice. Patterns differed somewhat in comparison with international studies, indicating regional differences. Strikingly, medical students predominantly relied on academic knowledge and previous experiences while using antibiotics, whereas non-medical students often obtained antibiotics from shops or the internet, making them vulnerable to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Conclusion: This highlights the importance of implementing specific interventions to reduce unsafe self-medication practices in students.

Assessment of the Bangladeshi Antibiotic Market: Implications of the WHO AWaRe Classification and Dosage Form Availability on Antimicrobial Resistance

BackgroundAvailability of antibiotics without prescription contributes to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance due to widespread self-medication and improper use. In this study, we aimed to assess the antibiotic market in Bangladesh according to the WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification system to better understand how the unregulated access of antibiotics may influence self-medication practices and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the country. MethodsData on AWaRe class antibiotics, their strengths, and dosage forms were collected from Bangladeshi drug indexing smartphone applications, the Bangladesh National Formulary (BDNF), and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) website. Sales data were analyzed using IQVIA data to determine the market value and compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of antibiotics. The analysis focused on categorizing antibiotics according to the WHO AWaRe classification and examining their availability in various dosage forms and strengths including child-appropriate formulations. ResultsOf the 81 antibiotics available in Bangladesh, 54.32% belong to the Watch class, 30.86% to Access, 8.64% to Reserve, and 6.17% were unclassified. In terms of ATC classifcation, the majority (91.35%) belonged to the J01 class. Most antibiotics were available in multiple dosage forms and strengths, with tablets (54.87%), injections (48.78%), and capsules (30.48%) being the most common. Additionally, 35.8% of antibiotics were available as child-appropriate formulations. Oral formulations were prevalent, with 88.0% of Access, 75.0% of Watch, and 28.57% of Reserve class antibiotics were available in oral dosage forms. A total of 56 antibiotic combinations were identified, including six WHO-recommended and two WHO-not-recommneded fixed-dose combinations. Watch class antibiotics dominated the market in terms of sales value and CAGR. ConclusionThe widespread availability of Watch class antibiotics, particularly in oral and child-appropriate formulations suggest a need for stricter regulation and public health interventions to curb self-medication, inappropriate marketing and use of antibiotics to mitigate the risks of resistance.

Determinants and patterns of self-medication: A comprehensive literature review

Background- Self-medication is a major public health concern practiced worldwide. Research indicates that improper self-medication leads to adverse drug reactions, masks underlying diseases, results in incorrect diagnoses, escalates morbidity, contributes to drug interactions, fosters antibiotic resistance, and strains resources within the healthcare system. Many studies on self-treatment have been published for certain countries or diseases, in addition to specific demographics, including teenagers, senior citizens, and medical pupils. The issue of self-treatment and related antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to global public health, as there has been a reported rise in self-medication practices over the past ten years. To obtain a thorough yet equivalent awareness of related issues and to make more definitive and practical conclusions for future action planning than those derived from reviews on the topic, it may be beneficial to integrate the current global self-medication data. Therefore, we set out to undertake a study to fully understand the prevalence, sample demographics, medications consumed, target ailment, and reasons for self-medication. Methods-Using the terms "self-medication, “Factors associated with it," and "non-prescription," a systematic review of the literature on self-medication practices was conducted using the databases PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science. The search was limited to cross-sectional study articles published between 2018 and 2022. Results- This analysis comprised 23 studies comprising 8,445 individuals in total. Headache, pain, and fever were shown to be among the most prevalent indications for self-treatment, followed by cold and cough. A summary of 20 studies inferred that Analgesics, antipyretics, and NSAIDs were the most self-practiced medications. Conclusion- Self-medication is widely practiced worldwide. It is critical to control and oversee appropriate self-medication practices through the enactment of strict laws and the involvement of legislators and medical experts. Large-scale public health awareness efforts on a variety of platforms, efficient medication distribution regulation, and legal proceedings against medical malpractice should all receive a great deal of attention. More cross-sectional studies employing a standard methodological framework are needed to have a deeper understanding of the incidence and practices of self-medication worldwide.

AUTOMEDICAÇÃO ENTRE ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS DA ÁREA DA SAÚDE NO BRASIL: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA

This study aimed to investigate, through an integrative review of the literature, the main reasons that lead undergraduate students in the health area to self-medicate, since they have the responsibility to guide society on the appropriate use and medicine insurance. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eleven studies were selected in which it was identified that, among the variables that influenced the practice of self-medication that were mentioned at least once in the productions, the most frequent were self-knowledge, advice from third parties, previous medical concession and ease of access. It is argued that undergraduate students in the health area are a portion of the population who self-medicate in an exacerbated manner, mainly because they believe they have sufficient theoretical, technical and scientific knowledge to carry out such practice. Thinking about this serious public health problem, we can see that there is a lack of data to promote effective measures in the rational use of medicines. It is necessary to understand that the idea of ​​integrated health care comprises knowledge developed collectively by professionals, teachers, managers and users/patients, co-responsible for the production of health, so that self-medication can be responsible for all segments of health. society.

Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication Among Pregnant Women at an Antenatal Clinic at Soba Teaching Hospital, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND Rates of self-medication among pregnant women are high, due to the promotion of herbal and dietary supplements and lack of awareness of possible adverse effects. This study evaluated self-medication in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at Soba Teaching Hospital, Sudan. MATERIAL AND METHODS A quantitative study was conducted using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which consisted of 25 questions divided into 4 sections: demographic and obstetric; self-medication source, recommendations, and conditions; most commonly used medications and herbal medicine; reasons for self-medications. A total of 230 pregnant women were included in the study. The chi-square test was used to test associations between variables and the binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between self-medication practice and explanatory variables. A P value of <0.05 was deemed significant in the final model. RESULTS Of the 230 pregnant women interviewed, 67% were multigravida, 184 (80%) practiced self-medication, 45.6% used pharmaceutical products, commonly analgesics (32.5%), and 21.9% used herbal remedies, including peppermint (19.4%) and citrus fruits (17.5%). Self-medication was used for nausea (49.5%) and heartburn (46.2%). Reasons for self-medication included belief in safety (40%) and the expense of physician fees (28.1%). Socio-demographic characteristics and the prevalence of self-medication in pregnant women showed no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study showed that the prevalence of self-medication reported by pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Sudan was high and included approved drugs and herbal medicines, mainly from pharmacies, and was driven by the perception that all medications supplied by pharmacies were safe.

Self-Medication of Medical Students at Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Responsible self-medication (SM) can save time, money, reduce the number of visits to the doctor, and alleviate pressure on health services. However, while there are clear benefits, SM also carries significant risks, such as increased drug side effects, inappropriate use of prescription drugs, drug interactions, misdiagnosis, drug dependence, masking of medical conditions, and antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the practices of medical students at a public university in Türkiye towards SM, as well as to determine the factors influencing such practices. The population of this cross-sectional study included first-, fourth-, and sixth-year medical students. As the goal was to reach the entire population (375 students), no sample selection was made. A total of 332 students (88.5%) participated in the study.The relevant literature was used for the basis of the questionnaire used in the study. In the statistical evaluation, percentages, means, standard deviations, medians, minimum, and maximum values were used to present the descriptive data, while factors influencing SM were analyzed using the chi-square test and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall rate of SM among the participants was found to be 96.1%. No statistically significant difference was observed in SM rates based on the year of study (p>0.05). The rate of students using antibiotics without a prescription was 19.3%. Additionally, 82.5% of the students reported reading the package insert before using a drug. The most common symptoms leading to SM were headaches (83.1%) and the common cold (63.6%). The most frequently self-administered medications were analgesics (86.1%), common cold medicines (54.8%), and vitamins (34.0%). Furthermore, 79.3% of the participants indicated that they self-medicate because they perceive their condition as a simple illness, 64.6% because they had experienced a similar illness before, and 28.2% because they believed they had sufficient knowledge of medications.In multivariate regression analysis, keeping medicines at home/in the dormitory for later use and not having a chronic disease were found to be effective factors in students' practice of SM. It is important to plan educational interventions to promote the development of responsible SM behaviors. Starting these educational programs in the first year of medical school is thought to contribute significantly to the fostering of responsible SM practices.

Influences on use of antibiotics without prescription by the public in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative evidence.

Self-medication with antibiotics is common practice in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This review synthesizes the qualitative evidence on influences on perceptions and practices in relation to self-medication by the public with antibiotics in LMIC. A systematic search was conducted of relevant medical, international and social science databases. Searching, screening, data extraction and quality appraisal followed standard methods. A meta-ethnographic approach was used for synthesis, starting with translation of studies and using a line-of-argument approach to develop the final themes. The search identified 78 eligible studies. Antibiotics were understood as a powerful, potentially dangerous but effective medicine for treating infections. This perception was strongly influenced by the common experience of being prescribed antibiotics for infections, both individually and collectively. This contributed to an understanding of antibiotics as a rational treatment for infection symptoms that was sanctioned by medical authorities. Accessing antibiotics from medical professionals was often difficult logistically and financially. In contrast, antibiotics were readily available over the counter from local outlets. People viewed treating infection symptoms with antibiotics as rational practice, although they were concerned about the risks to the individual and only took them when they believed they were needed. A new model to explain self-medication with antibiotics is presented. This uses the socio-ecological model to integrate influences that operate at individual, community and wider socioeconomic levels, drawing on theories of medical authority and the medicalization and commercialization of health. Interventions to reduce overuse of antibiotics in LMIC need to address both clinical practice and community self-medication practices together.

Herbal Self-medication Practice for Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Sudan: A Public Survey, 2021

Background: the COVID19 emerged in China in late 2019 with high rate of spread and transmission. As there was no recognized therapy many people worldwide used herbs in attempt to help their body overcome the disease. This study aimed to document Sudanese patients experience in using herbs to treat the disease and decrease its severity. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based online survey was done targeting those who experienced COVID-19 among Sudanese through an online internet-based questionnaire distributed on social media platforms (mainly Facebook and WhatsApp). Descriptive statistics used to summarize data and present it as frequency tables and graphs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to quantify the association between independent variables (comorbidities and use of herbs) and the outcome variable reflecting the severity of the disease (hospitalization). Results: a total of 204 responses received from COVID-19 former and active cases. Typical symptoms of the disease were identified; fever (68.1%), cough (52.7%), shortness of breathing (59.3%), sore throat (76.5%), and loss of smelling and/or taste (67.2%). All the respondents reported using traditional herbs or plants for cure with strong statement of their usefulness. Citrus plants like lemon, orange and grape fruits, were the commonest, used by 94%, followed by the local herbs, Acacia (65%), Ginger (56%), Baobab (46%), Hibiscus (45%), Black Seed (45%) and Cinnamon (17%). Other used plants included onion (29%) and garlic (24%). An adjusted analysis found that obesity was associated with higher hospital admission, while using herbs had no effect on hospital admission. Conclusions: all participants reported the use of herbs for cure beside other treatment. The most commonly used herbs were citrus fruits followed by Acacia and Ginger and other herbs. All participants stated that herbs were useful for their recovery, however our analysis revealed no significant effect on rate of hospitalization. We recommend further deeper, well-designed study to better assess the effect of herbs.

Study of knowledge, attitudes and practices of self-medication among pregnant women in the town of Mokolo in Northern Cameroon

Self-medication is a major public health problem worldwide, given the consequences it can have. However, its consequences seem to be poorly understood by the general public. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of self-medication among pregnant women, by identifying the reasons for this practice, the most commonly consumed drugs and their origin. This was an analytical cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire among women in the town of Mokolo in northern Cameroon. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 25. A total of 300 pregnant women were included in the study, 189 of whom were self-medicating, representing a prevalence of 63.00%. The reasons given by these women were: economic difficulties (55.56%), previous experience of treating a similar illness (20.11%), difficulties in accessing a healthcare professional (15.34%) and the feeling that the condition/illness was benign and therefore did not require a medical consultation (8.99%). The drugs most concerned were paracetamol (47.7%), amoxicillin (7.67%), diclofenac (5.67%) and aluminum hydroxide (5.67%). In addition to these pharmaceutical products, some pregnant women also used herbal preparations for treatment. Self-medication was highest in the first trimester of pregnancy (79.89%). Pregnant women who were most likely to self-medicate were those who were unaware of the dangers of self-medication and those with non-formal, primary education. Patient knowledge of self-medication during pregnancy was poor in 224 women (74.67%). More than three-quarters of patients (75.33%) had negative attitudes to self-medication during pregnancy. More than half (52.33%) had inadequate practices.

Comparative Analysis of Self-Medication Practices among University Students in Bangladesh and Malaysia

Self-medication is a widely practiced behavior, especially among university students, and is influenced by a variety of socio-economic and cultural factors. This cross-sectional study investigates self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh and Malaysia, focusing on the prevalence, types of drugs used, reasons for self-medication, and the awareness of its associated risks. A total of 731 students (514 from Bangladesh and 217 from Malaysia) in the study completed a structured questionnaire. The results reveal that self-medication was significantly more prevalent among Bangladeshi students (76.34%) compared to Malaysian students (39.2%). Financial barriers, lack of awareness, and difficulty in accessing healthcare services were the main drivers of self-medication in Bangladesh, while in Malaysia, peer influence and convenience were the primary reasons. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to raise awareness about the risks of self-medication and to improve healthcare access for students.

PREVALENCE OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICE AMONG THE PEOPLE IN NANGARHAR, AFGHANISTAN

Self-medication, the practice of using medication without medical supervision, is widespread in many low-income settings, including Afghanistan, where access to healthcare services can be limited. Despite its convenience, self-medication carries significant risks, such as drug resistance and adverse reactions, particularly with the misuse of antibiotics and other prescription medications. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors influencing self-medication practices among residents of Nangarhar, Afghanistan, focusing on common illnesses and types of medications used. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and June 2024 among 1,020 individuals, both male and female, aged 18 years and above, across Nangarhar. Participants were selected through random sampling. Data collection was performed using structured questionnaires, which gathered information on demographics, types of illnesses, medications used, and factors influencing self-medication practices. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: Of the total respondents, 62.6% reported self-medicating in the past six months. The most commonly reported ailments leading to self-medication were pain relief (45.2%), fever (39.8%), headache (38.7%), and gastrointestinal issues (27.5%). Antibiotics (46.1%) and analgesics (43.3%) were the most frequently used medications without prescriptions. Key reasons for self-medication included easy access to pharmacies (64.7%), high costs of healthcare (57.2%), and previous experiences with similar symptoms (49.8%). Lack of awareness about the dangers of self-medication and a perceived lack of severity of symptoms were also major contributing factors. Conclusion: Self-medication is a prevalent practice among residents of Nangarhar, Afghanistan, driven largely by ease of access to medications, economic barriers to healthcare, and low health literacy. Public health interventions, including educational campaigns and stricter regulations on over-the-counter medication sales, are urgently needed to mitigate the potential risks associated with this practice.

Self-medication practice among undergraduate medical students in government medical college of Andhra Pradesh

Background: Self-medication involves using medicines without professional advice, a common global practice due to limited healthcare access, over-the-counter drug availability, and widespread internet use. Medical students, despite lacking prescription authority, often self-medicate due to their drug knowledge. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2024 among undergraduate medical students at Government Medical College, Srikakulam. Data on socio-demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding self-medication were collected through a validated online questionnaire, with 520 completed responses from 623 students. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 67%. Most respondents were male (61%) and 2nd-year students (32.5%). Self-medication was common for minor illnesses (76%), with antacids (83%) and analgesics (74%) being the most used drugs. Although 70.2% acknowledged the risks of self-medication, its prevalence increased with semester progression, peaking at 96% among 4th-year students. Conclusions: Self-medication is widespread among medical students, driven by easy drug access and textbook knowledge. The study underscores the need for better education on the risks and stricter drug dispensing regulations to mitigate health risks.

Prevalence of self-medication practices with antibiotics and associated factors among students in five colleges in Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDespite their significant contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, antibiotics face challenges due to their inappropriate use, one of which is self-medication. This study assessed the prevalence of|| self-medication with antibiotics among Eritrean college students and its associated factors.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among students from five colleges from September 2019 to February 2020. Participants were selected through simple random sampling, and each participant completed a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics, and self-medication practices. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics.ResultsThe study distributed 380 questionnaires, with 375 returned, yielding a response rate of 98.68%. Findings revealed that 80.3% of participants were familiar with antibiotics. Additionally, 18.8% agreed with non-prescription antibiotic use for simple ailments. Of the 252 respondents who answered, 67.1% reported self-medication with antibiotics. Within the preceding six months, the prevalence of such self-medication was 34.3%. Factors associated with self-medication included college affiliation, with participants from the College of Science (COS) exhibiting lower odds (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.91, p = 0.03) compared to the College of Business and Social Sciences (CBSS) students. Those living in dormitories had 2.4 times higher odds (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.7–5.02, p = 0.017) to self-medicate compared to those living with family. Moreover, individuals unaware of antibiotic resistance had higher odds (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.24–4.7, p = 0.009) of self-medication. Attitude score was also significantly associated with self-medication (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.8–0.98, p = 0.027).ConclusionsThese results highlight the necessity for tailored educational programs to advocate for appropriate antibiotic utilization and mitigate the prevalent misuse of antibiotics among college students. Initiatives focused on increasing knowledge about the dangers linked with self-medication and advocating for conscientious antibiotic usage are essential in combating the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance and safeguarding public health.

Health checkup practice and its associated factors among adults in South Gondar zone Ethiopia

Non-communicable diseases are the current global burden including in sub-Saharan Africa, which increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disorders and their complications due to a lack of health checks and delayed treatments. To assess health checkup practice among adults in the South Gondar zone of northeast Ethiopia in 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from July 30, 2022, to August 30, 2022. Three woredas (Debre Tabor, Guna Beyemidir, and Andabet) were selected by using a simple random sampling method from the south Gondar zone, and three kebeles were selected randomly from each woreda. A complete of 422 samples were selected by random sampling technique. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to identify the association between each variable with the outcome variable. A variable that had a p-value < 0.25 in binary logistic regression became a candidate for multivariate logistic regression then after factors p value < 0.05 was considered as predictors to the outcome variable. In this study, health checkup practice was 40.2%. Living with families (AOR 3.36; 95% CI 1.47–7.66), presence chronic disease (AOR 2.52; 95% CI 1.49–4.26), No self-medication practice (AOR 5.39; 95% CI 3.06–9.49) and having health insurance (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.68–5.430) were significantly associated with regular health checkup practice. Health checkup practice was low as compared to health policy recommendations and its health maintenance value. Creating awareness about health check-ups and prevention of disease complications will be taken by different stakeholders in the health care system

Assessment of factors associated with self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in southwestern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSelf-medication practices involve the use of medications without healthcare professional requests. The threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused the practice of a fittest to survive action, with the assumption that something is better than nothing. Moreover, owing to the lack of effective treatment for COVID-19, the general public has shifted toward self-medication and symptomatic treatment, with approximately 80% of people stockpiling medication for use during the pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the factors associated with self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in southwestern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was employed at selected drug retail outlets in southwestern Ethiopia for 415 community pharmacy clients from July 1, 2021, to September 1, 2021. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select five drug retail outlets on the basis of high patient flows, and we took the study participants until the required quota allotted to each selected drug retail outlet had been filled. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with self-medication. AORs with 95% CIs were used to report associations, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Self-medication was significantly associated with being female (AOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.04–12.41), having a college education or above (AOR 47, 95% CI 4.32–55.21), time wastage at public health facilities (AOR 2.71, 95% CI 3.47–5.21), being afraid of contracting COVID-19 (AOR 0.006, 95% CI 0.004–0.185), and having high fees at public health facility (AOR 0.006, 95% CI 0.004–0.185). The most frequently used medications to treat or prevent the COVID-19 pandemic were analgesics (42.4%) and cold medicines (29.5%). Headache (22.2%), fever (13.2%), respiratory infection (14.3%), and cold (21.4%) were the most frequently reported symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionThis study revealed high self-medication practices among study area residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary reasons for self-medication in the context of COVID-19 are fear of the pandemic and time wastage at public health facilities. Therefore, special attention should be given to educating public and health care providers on the types of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated and the types of drugs to be used for self-medication.