KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF SELF MEDICATION AMONG STUDENTS IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY, ELELE

ABSTRACT Self-medication is the use of medication without a prescription from certified medical personnel. The dangers that come with this practice are numerous, and it is of great concern. The main aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of the consequences of self-medication among nursing students in Madonna University, Elele Rivers State. To meet this aim, this study employed the use of a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study design, using the aid of a well-designed questionnaire. 196 students were selected using simple random sampling technique. The data was descriptively summarised with the aid of frequency, percentage and tables. The results revealed that 140(82.3%) of people strongly agreed that self-medication was a familiar concept to them; also, majority of the respondents strongly agreed114(67%) that self- medication can only be practised when there is proper education on medication use and side effects, with only 10(5.8%) people strongly disagreeing and 17(10%) disagreeing. From the results of the study, it was seen that the participants had good knowledge of self-medication and its consequences. This study recommends mental health support, community engagement and healthcare provider training to address the gaps in knowledge. The study suggests that similar studies be done in other schools and departments. (Keywords: knowledge, consequences, self-medication)