Reasons For Self-medication Research Articles

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.

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.

Self-medication practices among university students at a public university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Self-medication is a concern at the global level. It comes with complications and different health issues. This study measures the prevalence, influential factors, and reasons behind self-medication. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. The prevalence and influential factors were measured between September and November 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). We used frequencies and percentages to present categorical variables. Using a convenient sampling technique. Factors associated with using self-medication and the differences between students of the medical college and their non-medical counterparts were assessed using Pearson's Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. We initially received 410 responses on the online platform. However, we excluded seven responses from those who disagreed to participate and 12 from participants outside Riyadh. The majority of the participants were female (67.5%). Three hundred nineteen (319) participants indicated that they had ever used self-medications, accounting for a prevalence of 81.6%. Regarding the reasons for self-medication, the most frequently cited factors were 'previous experience' (66.5%) and 'time-saving' (50.2%). Additionally, the primary source of drug information utilized for self-medication practices was predominantly from 'relatives/friends' (62.4%) and 'pharmacologists' (48.0%). Medications were primarily used for headache (76.8%), fever (48.6%), and pain (47.3%). The most commonly used classes of drugs used for self-medication were painkillers (84.0%), vitamins (42.0%), and eye drops (32.9%). The results showed that the prevalence of self-medication is high in the surveyed population. There has been an association between monthly income and the prevalence of self-medication. As pharmacists are the second most common source of drug information, it is essential to increase responsibility and avoid marketing and personal benefiting behavior as they are considered a reliable source of information in the population. Healthcare organizers can utilize our study to educate people about the adverse effects of self-medication.

Self-medication for dental caries-associated toothache among dental outpatients attended at public health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study.

Self-medication is a common practice worldwide, and its prevalence ranges between 20% and 80% among patients suffering from dental pain. The socioeconomic status of an individual plays a key role in self-medication practice, especially sex and education level. This study aims to investigate the extent of self-medication practice for toothache due to dental caries among adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This was an analytical cross-sectional study carried out over 6 months. It included adult patients presenting with toothache in public dental clinics. A questionnaire captured information on demography, self-medication practice, the substance used for self-medication, duration of self-medication, and reason for self-medication. Univariate analysis was carried out to assess factors associated with self-care remedies. The probability level of α < 0.05 was selected for statistical significance. A total of 420 participants took part in this survey with a majority (54.3%) being females. The ages of the participants ranged between 18 years and 79 years, with a mean age of 33.37 (SD = 12.64) years. Nearly all (98.5%) participants used some sort of self-prescribed remedies for managing toothache before attending a dental clinic for appropriate treatment. The sociodemographic status of the participants did not influence the practice of self-medication. About 98% of patients suffering from toothache in Tanzania practice self-medication, and it cuts across all social strata of the adult dental population. Patients with toothache secondary to dental caries participated in the pilot study and were consulted on the suitability of the study tool.

Factors and Reasons of Self-Medication: For Health Education on Self-Medication Risks and Healthy Safecare Practices

The public has turned to self-medication during the pandemic due to the rising social media influence, the availability of over-the-counter drugs, and the public’s fear of getting the virus. Self-medication is a widespread practice in both developed and developing nations. Self-medication has been noted to be on the rise worldwide. Health professionals are worried on the practice of self-medication by adamant sick persons, and prescription drugs over-the-counter are persisted for the treatment of diseases. This study critically examined the factors and reasons for the self-medication of the elderly in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. The results of the study served as a baseline reference to develop health education on self-medication risks to promote healthy safety practices. Furthermore, the objectives of this research were to examine the prevailing opinions of the elderly about the factors of self-medication and to assess the main ideas of the elderly on the reasons for self-medication. The study employed a descriptive research design that determined the nature of the specific occurrences under investigation. [1] The adopted standardized Factors and Reasons of Self-Medication Survey Questionnaire was utilized. It was revealed that age and monthly income were two factors that had a significant impact on the decisions that older people made regarding their self-medication. In terms of reasons, these include: the similarity of symptoms with past illnesses, perceived illness as mild, need for quick relief/urgency, distance of health institutions, drug access to pharmacy, high healthcare cost, long lines or waiting time in the physician’s clinic and hospital, and self-medication is cheaper were the common reasons for self-medication. The findings of the study provided components of health teachings in framing health education on self-medication risks and healthy safety practices.

Dispensing Errors and Self-medication Practices-Pharmacists' Experience in Tabuk: A Cross-sectional Study.

Community pharmacists are engaged in various professional activities starting from drug dispensing to promoting the well-being of patients. They dispense medications as stated in the prescription and are also licensed to prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Self-medication is widely practiced in various countries, which may lead to irrational drug use. The objectives of this study were to identify the factors associated with dispensing errors, to find ways to minimize dispensing errors, to identify patients' reasons for self-medication, and to find the drugs commonly utilized by patients as OTC medications and the sources of their drug information. A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 286 registered community pharmacists all over Tabuk was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Physician's unclear handwriting in the prescription was the major factor for dispensing error (2.6 out of 3) and writing the prescription clearly by the physician or using a printed form of prescription was an important factor in minimizing dispensing errors (2.91 out of 3). Previous similar complaints in the past were the main reason for self-medication (2.45 out of 3) with analgesics and antipyretics being the commonly dispensed drug groups dispensed as OTC medications (2.95 out of 3). Self-medication practices and dispensing errors are widespread in Tabuk. Antibiotics were dispensed as OTC medication, which may lead to more chance of irrational drug use. Writing the prescription clearly and legibly would reduce dispensing errors. It is the community pharmacists' responsibility to increase awareness regarding the appropriate use of drugs to the public.

Prevalence of self-medication practices among pregnant women in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Self-medication practice among pregnant women is a global concern. However, its understanding in the Indian context is limited due to a lack of comprehensive studies. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of self-medication, the medications used for self-medication, diseases/conditions associated with self-medication, and the reasons for self-medication among Indian pregnant women. This study was carried out following the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A thorough search was done in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar to find articles that were published up until May 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised observational studies reporting self-medication prevalence among pregnant women in India. Data were extracted using a standardized sheet, and a random-effects model was applied to determine the overall prevalence of self-medication using R software. The I2 statistic was employed to assess the heterogeneity among the studies. This study analyzed eight studies with a collective sample size of 2208 pregnant women. The pooled prevalence of self-medication among pregnant Indian women was 19.3% (95% CI: 7.5%-41.3%; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01). Common self-treated conditions were cold, cough, fever, headache, and stomach disorders. Antipyretics, analgesics, antihistamines, and antacids were frequently used for self-medication. The perception of mild ailment, immediate alleviation, convenience, time savings, and advice from family, friends, or the media were all reasons for self-medication. Local pharmacies were the most usual source for obtaining drugs, and pharmacists, family, friends, and past prescriptions were common sources of medicine information. A low yet substantial number of pregnant women in India are engaged in self-medication practices. Appropriate strategies need to be planned to reduce self-medication practices to attain sustainable developmental goals for maternal health in India.

Assessment of self-medication with analgesics among rural community of South India

World Health Organization defines self-medication (SM) as the self-administration of a medication in the absence of a current prescription and/or without consulting a healthcare professional. Analgesics are the most commonly abused drug as a self-medication for relieving pain of any kind among the people. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of self- medication with analgesics and find the social factors associated among the rural people in Southern India. A community based cross sectional study using cluster sampling technique, four villages (clusters) were randomly selected in a rural District and among 460 respondents belonging to age group 18 to 60 years were interviewed. The mean age in years was 48.4 ± 15.5. About 182(39.6%) were illiterates and many respondents belonged to Agricultural laborers 350(76.1). Self-medication with analgesics is practiced by 24.8% of the respondents. Reason for self-medication was to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure (72.4%). About 65.8% respondents purchased analgesics over the counter from pharmacy. The prevalence of self‑medication with analgesics was relatively high which is a threat for the community and can lead to multi organ damage to among rural people. Universal policy on drug selling over the pharmacy counter should be strictly implemented.

Reasons for self-medication among elderly patients in TIU and Erbil Infirmary House

Background: This study investigates the factors contributing to self-medication among elderly patients in TIU (Tishk International University) and Erbil Infirmary House, utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. Methods: The sample includes elderly patients aged 60 years and above with diverse backgrounds, employing a mixed-methods approach consisting of qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. The study identifies several factors contributing to self-medication, such as limited access to healthcare, financial constraints, long waiting times, lack of trust in healthcare professionals, family influence, and positive past experiences with self-medication. The study emphasizes the necessity for targeted interventions to address self-medication in the elderly. This includes improving healthcare access, reducing financial barriers, enhancing healthcare professionals’ communication skills, and educating patients on the risks and benefits of self-medication. Collaboration between providers and the elderly population is crucial for creating a safe environment for appropriate medication use. Results: The study reveals significant differences in self-medication behavior among the elderly based on demographic factors. Males were more likely to engage in self-medication, and the prevalence was higher among single elderly individuals. Primary education was more prevalent than high school or college education. There was no significant difference in self-medication prevalence between those without medical insurance and those with insurance. The presence of drug information significantly influenced self-medication practices. Conclusion: Further research is needed to explore the long-term consequences of self-medication and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies in mitigating associated risks. Addressing self-medication among elderly patients is essential to ensure their health and well-being.

Investigation on self-medication among outpatients consulting in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department at the Campus University Hospital of Lome-Togo

Abstract Aim: To evaluate knowledge regarding self-medication and describe hepatic and renal biological disturbances observed in patients practicing self-medication. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection was conducted from February 1, 2022, to July 31, 2022, in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of the Lome Campus Teaching Hospital (Togo). It included outpatients who provided written, voluntary, and informed consent to participate in the study. Results: A total of 419 patients participated in the study. The mean age of the patients was 39.80 ± 14.93 years. The frequency of self-medication was estimated at 91.65%. The main reasons mentioned were the lack of funds to visit the hospital (45.25%), perceived non-gravity of the condition (30.73%), and time constraints (28.77%). The top three reasons for self-medication were headache (32.56%), flu-like illness (29.5%), and abdominal pain (26.82%). Analgesics (73.31%), antimalarials (28.93%), and anti-inflammatories (24.71%) were the most commonly used therapeutic classes. Hepatic cytolysis syndrome was found in 19.27% of patients, and kidney failure was noted in 5.46% of patients. Conclusion: Self-medication poses significant dangers when undertaken recklessly, given the inherent risks associated with drugs and the consequences that such risks entail.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice on over-the-counter drugs among medical and nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Background: As future health-care practitioners’, self-medication assumes special importance among MBBS, nursing, and paramedical students. They are the ones who differ from the general population due to their exposure to the disease and drugs. The idea of conducting the present study was due to the scarcity of data regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among them. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to check KAP regarding OTC drug use among medical and nursing students and also to know the different reasons for self-medication and influences regarding their choice for the same. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done including medical and nursing students for time duration of 6 months from January to May 2023. A well-designed, pre-validated questionnaire with various items on a Likert scale was distributed to medical and nursing students all over Maharashtra via Google Forms, sharing links through the contacts of the medical and nursing students' association of Maharashtra. Descriptive statistical analysis was used. Results: A total of 161 students (102 medical, 59 nursing) took part in the present study. Most of the students (84.4%) practiced self-medication. Fever and headache (56.4%), followed by cough and common cold (27.5%), are the most common illness for which students self-medicate. One of the most common reasons students have been found to self-medicate was found to be refusal to spend time seeing a doctor for minor illness (64.5%). Conclusion: There is an extensive habit of self-medication among MBBS and nursing students. Lack of understanding regarding the proper use of medications, their storage, expiry, action to be taken in case of side effects, and increasing the dose of medication when symptoms are not subsiding were some of the significant problems found.

Frequency of self-medication in students of the Medical School of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Rosario (Argentina) in the year 2023

Introduction: Self-medication is the use of medications on one's own initiative without medical prescription, treatment supervision, or diagnosis. Although in some cases it may be convenient to treat minor symptoms, irresponsible self-medication can lead to serious health consequences.Objective: To describe the frequency of self-medication in students of the Medical School of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI) - Rosario campus in the year 2023. Materials and methods: A quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, retrospective study was carried out at the UAI, Rosario, Argentina, from January to June 2023. The population consisted of 2nd and 5th year students of the 1st semester of the Medical School. The data collection instrument consisted of an anonymous, voluntary, self-administered survey consisting of 6 multiple-choice questions. The variables were summarized through measures of central position (mean) and measures of dispersion (range and standard deviation) and were expressed in absolute and relative frequency.Results: A total of 53 students were surveyed, of which 72% (n=38) were female and 28% (n=15) were male. The mean age was 28.58 ± 6.59 years (min: 20; max: 43). Fifty-seven percent (n=30) belonged to the fifth year of medicine and 43% (n=23) to the second year. Of these, 81% reported that the reason for self-medication was to have learned that the drug was useful for the reason for its use. The main illnesses that motivated self-medication were headache (94%), muscle pain (70%), flu (66%) and fever (64%). The types of self-medicated drugs reported were analgesics (91%), anti-influenza (66%), anti-inflammatory drugs (66%), antacids (53%), antibiotics (42%) and vitamins (34%). Ninety-eight percent stated that they had acquired medicines from pharmacies without a prescription, 26% from family medicine cabinets and 23% from relatives or friends, respectively Conclusions: It was found that all of the medical students surveyed had self-medicated at some point in their lives, with headache being the most common cause. The students reported using analgesics, anti-flu, anti-inflammatory, antacids, antibiotics and vitamins for self-medication

Determinants of Unsupervised Medical Termination of Pregnancy Pill Usage Among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study From North India.

Background Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) pills, primarily comprising mifepristone and misoprostol, have proven highly effective and safe under medical supervision. However, unsupervised MTP pill use is on the rise, posing serious health risks. Unsafe abortions remain a global public health concern, with a high incidence in developing countries like India. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary healthcare center in India from February to April 2023. We enrolled 150 women with a history of unsupervised MTP pill use. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, including demographic information, awareness, sources of information, reasons for self-medication, and knowledge of complications. Results The majority of participants (50%) were aged 25-29 years. Low-income women (<3000pc) constituted 46.66% of the sample. Husbands played a significant role in advocating MTP pill use (57.33%). Ninety percent of pills were obtained directly from pharmacies. Shockingly, 97.3% of women were unaware of MTP pill complications, and 84% did not follow the recommended regimen. Significant associations were found between income, religion, education, age, parity, and reasons for self-medication, as well as recommendations for MTP pill use. Conclusion Our study revealed a diverse demographic of women seeking unsupervised MTP pill intake. Low-income women were disproportionately affected, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare access and education. Husbands played a crucial role in advocating MTP pill use, highlighting the importance of including men in reproductive health discussions. Lack of awareness and non-adherence to recommended regimens posed substantial risks. To combat unsafe abortions, a multifaceted approach is needed. Reproductive health education, regulatory measures, improved healthcare accessibility, and tailored interventions are essential.

Insomnia and Self-medication Among Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia

Background: Insomnia is considered one of the most common sleep disorders. One-third of the world’s population has one or more symptoms of insomnia, with 10% satisfying the criteria for clinical diagnosis. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of insomnia among pharmacists working in Saudi Arabia and its association with self-medication. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed online by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, targeting pharmacists from different working areas in Saudi Arabia. The survey included socio-demographic data, level of education, working area, and work experience; use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic sleeping aid; reasons for self-medication; and the Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire. Results: A total of 515 pharmacists participated in the study (male 53.4% vs. female 46.6%). The prevalence of clinically significant insomnia was 48.2%. Of these, 66.5% were mild, 29.8% were moderate, and 3.6% were severe. The prevalence of pharmacists currently using sleep aid medications was 22.7%. Factors associated with clinically significant insomnia were younger age (21 – 30 years), female sex, unmarried status, living in the central region, chronic diseases, history of psychiatric disorder, consultation with a health care professional, current use of sleep aid medications, and use of psychological and behavioral intervention as a sleeping aid. Conclusion: Insomnia is common among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia, but self-medication is uncommon. Of all pharmacists, female young adults who were not married and had a previous history of psychiatric disorders were greatly affected by insomnia and self-medicated the most.

Self-medication practice among medical students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The rise in trends of self-medication, particularly among medical students without being aware of its consequences, especially during the COVID pandemic, has raised a major concern. Self-medication may lead to unintended consequences, such as adverse events, unnecessary expenses, delay in attending professional evaluation, masking of symptoms, and drug interactions. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence, practice, and pattern of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students. Materials and Methods: In October 2022, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted using a validated, pretested questionnaire. Information regarding the demographic details, symptoms that led to self-medication, various drugs used, source of drug information, drug used/drug groups used, and reasons for self-medication during COVID-19 were all described in terms of frequency and percentage. Results: In the present study, 80% of the students practiced self-medication. Fever and headache were the most common symptoms for which self-medication was taken. Paracetamol and azithromycin were the most common drugs used for self-medication. Forty-four percent of the students used medical formulas from the previous consultation as the source of drug information, and 16% from the Internet. About 85% of students obtained the drug from a pharmacy. Thirty-two percent of the students self-medicated because they had symptoms of COVID-19 and 29% as a preventive measure. Conclusion: Self-medication was widely practiced by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to educate medical students through various measures about the rational use of self-medication.

Self-medication practices against COVID-19 infection and awareness among residents of Mogadishu, Somalia: A cross-sectional analysis.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected several countries worldwide, resulting in a considerable strain on healthcare systems and increased trend of self-medication practices. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of COVID-19 and the prevalence of self-medication during the pandemic among residents in Mogadishu, Somalia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured and pretested questionnaire between May 2020 and January 2021. Participants from various disciplines were randomly recruited within the study location and interviewed about their self-medication practices during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the respondents' information and responses to the questionnaire items. Associations between participants' demographic characteristics and specific items relating to self-medication practices were analysed using the Chi-square test. A total of 350 residents participated in the study. Approximately 63% of the participants reported having practised COVID-19 related self-medication with the main reasons being pharmacists' advice (21.4%) and having an old prescription (13.1%), whereas 37.1% did not report their reasons for self-medication. Most participants (60.4%) engaged in self-medication despite not having any symptoms and 62.9% had taken antibiotics in the last three months. Most participants were aware that no medication has been approved for COVID-19 (81.1%), the negative effects of self-medication (66.6%), and the transmission routes of the virus. Meanwhile, more than 40% of the participants have not worn a mask while outside their homes, and do not follow the international COVID-19 guidelines. The most prevalent drug used by participants for self-medication against COVID-19 was paracetamol (81.1%) and antibiotics (78%). The factors associated with awareness of COVID-19 and self-medication practices included age, gender, educational qualification, and occupation. This study revealed considerable high self-medication practices among Mogadishu residents, thus highlighting the need to promote awareness regarding the adverse effects of self-medication and sanitisation guidelines in addressing COVID-19 at the community level.

“It is not easy”: Experiences of people living with HIV and tuberculosis on Tuberculosis treatment in Uganda

BackgroundCompletion of tuberculosis (TB) treatment presents several challenges to patients, including long treatment duration, medication adverse-effects and heavy pill burden. WHO emphasize the need for patient-centered TB care, but such approaches require understanding of patient experiences and perceptions. MethodsIn 2020, we nested a qualitative study within a clinical trial that recruited 128 HIV-TB co-infected adults in Kampala receiving rifampicin-based TB treatment, alongside anti-retroviral therapy. A purposively selected sub-sample of 46 trial participants contributed to nine gender segregated focus group discussions. Of these, 12 also participated in in-depth interviews. Sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated from local languages into English. Thematic analysis focused on drug adverse-effects, use of self-prescribed medications and barriers to treatment adherence. ResultsPatients seemed more concerned about adverse effects that clinicians sometimes overlook such as change in urine color. Those who remembered pre-treatment counselling advice were disinclined to manage adverse-effects by self-prescription. Difficulty in accessing a medical practitioner was reported as a reason for self-medication. Obstacles to adherence included stigma (especially from visible adverse-effects like “red urine”), difficulties with pill size and number, discomfort with formulation and medication adverse effects. ConclusionTailored pre-treatment counselling, improved access to clinical services, and simpler drug administration will deliver more patient-centered care.

Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication (SM), the reasons for SM and the relationship between chronic health conditions and SM among adult individuals.SettingThis was an online questionnaire-based...

Prevalence and Factors Influencing Self-Medication among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Urban Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria

Despite the adverse effects of self-medication (SM), such as antimicrobial drug resistance, drug addiction, allergy, worsening of ailment, organ damage, disability, and death, the practice is still common and increasingly practiced globally, even among pregnant women. This study investigated the prevalence and factors influencing self-medication among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in urban tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. A facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out in two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt between 25 September and 24 October 2022, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and logistics regression techniques, and statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. A total of 413 respondents participated in the study. The prevalence of SM was 31.0% (95% CI = 26.7–73.3). Women who were not married and those with less than secondary education had the highest prevalence, 60.5% (95% CI = 45.1–74.0) and 51.1% (95% CI = 42.7–59.4), respectively. The common drugs used for SM were Paracetamol, antimalarials, antibiotics, cough and cold medicines, and herbal products. While the reasons for SM were emergency illness, high cost at health facilities, and distance to the health facility. The commonest illnesses/symptoms that necessitated SM included body pain, headache, fever, cold and cough, and vaginal discharge. Married women and those educated above the secondary level had lower odds of practicing SM compared to their counterparts; married (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.18–0.78) and &gt;secondary level (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.18–0.51). This study showed that a significant proportion of pregnant women practiced SM and marital status and educational level were the factors influencing SM in the studied population. We recommend public health education and reproductive health programmes aimed at discouraging unmarried women and those with minimal education from the irrational use of drugs during pregnancy.

Self-medication: a current self-care practice amongst tertiary college students

Background: Self-medication is the action of taking medication without consulting a physician or healthcare professional. It is one element of self-care coupled with social support during unwellness and aid. Though advocated for by health promoters it has its own fair share of cons. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted where a sample was obtained using published tables and simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample from a population of 800 student’s gaining a total sample of 267 and to account for non-response and loss 10% was added giving a total of 294 respondents. Results: The prevalence was 82.6% (218) and the age group with the highest frequency of 77.4% was 19-21 years. The male prevalence was higher than for the female with 60.1% (131). The study revealed highest source of information to be pharmacist with 37.8%, highest source of medication was drug shops with 38.1%, highest used medication to be coughs and cold syrups with 78% (205). The reason for self-medication with the highest percentage was suffering from minor illness with 75.37% (199). The symptoms that are highly self-medicated for were coughs and cold (78.7%), pains and headaches (74.2%), stomach discomforts (72.4) and fever (70%). Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of self-medication with 82.6% among the students. Creating awareness, enforcing the laws, informing the relevant stakeholders on availability of medicines and sealing the loops on dispensing of medication could save a generation.