KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS OF EDO STATE UNIVERSITY UZAIRUE

Self-medication is a prevalent health-related behavior in academic settings, including nursing schools. Introduction: Self-medication is a common practice worldwide, and it is crucial to assess its prevalence and factors influencing it among nursing students who will later become healthcare professionals. This study aims to investigate self-medication practices among undergraduate nursing students at Edo State University, Uzairue. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 200 nursing students in their 200 level, 300-level and 500-level. The questionnaire included questions about self-medication habits, reasons for self-medication, sources of information, and the types of drugs used for self-treatment. Results: The results showed that self-medication was a prevalent practice among undergraduate nursing students, with a higher prevalence among the latter group. The most common reasons for self-medication included prior knowledge of the condition, convenience, and cost-saving. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications were the most frequently used drugs for self-treatment. Sources of information influencing self-medication included previous nursing training, advice from family or friends, and the internet. Conclusion: Self-medication is a common practice among nursing students in Edo State University, with 500-level students exhibiting a higher prevalence. This highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to promote responsible self-medication practices and equip nursing students with the necessary skills to make informed decisions regarding self-treatment.