Background: The prevalence of self-medication is increasing, not only among the general public but also among college and university students in the health field.
Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception and practice of self-medication among pharmacy students in the university of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Methods: This was a university-based cross-sectional study of 354 pharmacy students using a self-administered e-questionnaire. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics, chi square tests were used to assess association between the dependent and independent variables at a p<0.05.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 82% in this population. Among the respondents, 294(83.1%) demonstrated good knowledge of self-medication. Reasons for respondent’s practice of self-medication include; easy access to online treatment guidelines (39.5%), knowledge of therapy for minor ailments (36.4%), and time considerations (45.2%). The commonest classes of drugs used for self-medication by our respondents were; Antimalarials (85.9%), Antibiotics (74.9%), Analgesics (76.0%) and Gastrointestinals (59.6%). No significant association was found between students’ sociodemographic characteristics and their knowledge and practice of self-medication.
Conclusion: While the pharmacy students demonstrated a remarkable understanding of self-medication, they frequently engaged in this harmful practice, particularly using antibiotics, antimalarials, and analgesics. This study highlights the need for a greater emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship and the dangers of self-medication in the pharmacy curriculum.
Author(s) Details:
Evaristus Chinonso Odoh
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Center, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.
Shadrach Chinecherem Eze
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Center, Markurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Ugomma Loveth Anyaji
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Center, Markurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Kingsley Chinemerem Eze
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Center, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Chijiekwu Nwachukwu
National Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Gerald Obinna Ozota
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Kenneth Chukwuebuka Egwu
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Caleb Chijindu Ugorji
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Joy Chekwube Onyesoro
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Jude Nwiyi Chimaobi
Department of Pharmacy, Military Hospital Ikoyi Lagos, Nigeria.
Njoku Chukwuemeka Chidindu
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Victor Chukwuebuka Akwu
Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Wisdom Enyinnaya Arugo
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Chioma Chikezie Igu
Department of Pharmacy, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Recent Global Research Developments in Self-medication: A current challenge
Prevalence, Knowledge, and Perception of Self-Medication Among Healthcare Students:
A study conducted among healthcare students in Nigeria found that approximately 54.6% of respondents practiced self-medication.
About 55.3% demonstrated good knowledge of self-medication practices.
Common reasons for self-medication included treating minor ailments and perceived medical knowledge.
Analgesics, antimalarials, and antibiotics were commonly used for self-medication [1].
Self-Medication: A Current Challenge:
Articles from peer-reviewed journals and organizations like the World Self-Medication Industry and the World Health Organization highlight the complexities of self-medication [2].
Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
The World Health Organization defines self-medication as the use of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms without consulting a physician.
It includes reusing previously prescribed drugs and purchasing prescription medications without consultation [3].
References
- Akande-Sholabi, W., Ajamu, A.T. & Adisa, R. Prevalence, knowledge and perception of self-medication practice among undergraduate healthcare students. J of Pharm Policy and Pract 14, 49 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-021-00331-w
- Bennadi, D. (2013). Self-medication: A current challenge. Journal of basic and clinical pharmacy, 5(1), 19.
- Malik, M., Tahir, M.J., Jabbar, R. et al. Self-medication during Covid-19 pandemic: challenges and opportunities. Drugs Ther Perspect 36, 565–567 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-020-00785-z
