A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY ON SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES WITH ANTIBIOTIC AMONG OFF CAMPUS STUDENTS OF NIGER STATE POLYTECHNIC ZUNGERU

This study investigated self-medication practices with antibiotics among off-campus students of Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru. The main objective was to determine the prevalence, knowledge, and factors influencing antibiotic self-medication among the students. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, allowing data to be collected at a single point in time to assess students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding antibiotic use. A total of 200 respondents were selected through a stratified random sampling technique to ensure adequate representation of students across departments and academic levels. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic self-medication, with 72.08% of respondents reporting the use of antibiotics without a valid prescription. The most common conditions treated through self-medication were fever, sore throat, and cough/cold. Although a fair level of knowledge about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance was observed among respondents, inappropriate behaviors such as discontinuing medication once symptoms subsided and reusing leftover drugs were common. Key factors influencing self-medication practices included high healthcare costs, long waiting times at hospitals, easy access to antibiotics without prescription, peer influence, and confidence in self-diagnosis. The study concluded that antibiotic self-medication is highly prevalent among off-campus students despite moderate awareness of its risks, posing a public health concern due to the potential contribution to antibiotic resistance. It was recommended that the polytechnic management and relevant health authorities strengthen health education campaigns, improve access to affordable healthcare, and enforce regulations restricting the sale of antibiotics without prescription. Integrating rational drug use education into the curriculum and promoting peer-led health initiatives were also suggested to reduce the misuse of antibiotics among students.