KNOWLEDGE, PREVALENCE AND PREVENTION OF ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING ANTIMALARIAL DRUG ABUSE AMONG CLINICAL MEDICAL STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE

This study investigates the knowledge, prevalence, and prevention of adverse events following antimalarial drug abuse among clinical medical students of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State. Antimalarial drugs are widely used in malaria-endemic regions like Nigeria; however, their misuse and abuse have become a growing public health concern. Clinical medical students, due to their partial medical knowledge and easy access to medications, may engage in self-medication practices that increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. The study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional design, using structured questionnaires to collect data from respondents. Findings indicate that while a majority of students possess moderate to high knowledge of antimalarial drugs, there is still a significant prevalence of misuse, including incorrect dosing, prolonged use, and self-prescription. Common adverse events reported include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and, in severe cases, drug resistance and organ toxicity. The study concludes that despite adequate knowledge, unsafe practices persist. It recommends intensified drug education, stricter regulation of drug access, and improved pharmacovigilance awareness among medical students