Knowledge, Perception and Practice among Pharmacy Students Regarding Self-Medication in Eastern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey : This Article is Published in the Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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.


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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

  1. 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
  2. Bennadi, D. (2013). Self-medication: A current challenge. Journal of basic and clinical pharmacy, 5(1), 19.
  3. 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

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