PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTOR OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG ADULTS IN ELELE, RIVERS STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The misuse of non-prescription drugs amongst several populations has become a serious problem. Medications if not properly utilized can cause serious health problems.
Objectives: This was a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence, practice of self-medication practices and awareness on its side effects.
Methods: A well-structured questionnaire developed with inputs from literature was used for this study. The questionnaire was coded and entered into SPSS version 12.0. Results were reported in frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 240 respondents were sampled. The practice of self-medication was very high 240(96%) with 223(89.2%) having practiced self-medication in the last three months. Information on drug usage was predominantly from previous prescription 82(36.8%) with the most point of purchase being the pharmacy 100(44.8%). About 121(54.3%) was aware of the side effects of self-medication. Paradoxically, a larger percentage of them were not aware of drug resistance 193(86.5%). Reasons for practicing self-medication was attributed to it being efficient. Major side effect experienced was nausea and vomiting 101(45.3%).
Conclusion: The prevalence and practice of self-medication was high. This is probably as a result of the high literacy level of the respondents. Information on drug usage was predominantly previous experiences and previous prescriptions. Pharmacies were the most point of purchase. All the respondents have had one or more side effects in the course of self-medicating. This therefore calls for educational intervention as the prevalence and practice of self-medication is on the increase.
Keywords: Self-medication, prevalence, practice
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