Evaluation of the practice of self-medication among undergraduates of Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The concept of self-medication entails the use of drugs, herbs or home remedies on an individual’s own initiative or on the advice of another person within his or her environment without consulting a qualified medical health services provider. It is widely practised in both developing and developed countries, and empirical evidence shows that great populations of persons in our communities indulge in the practice.
Objective: To evaluate the practice of self-medication among undergraduates of Imo State University Owerri.
Methodology: It was a descriptive cross sectional study. Data was obtained using semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires. Results were analyzed and presented using tables, bar charts and pie charts.
Results: Only 38.9% of the respondents consulted qualified doctor when ill, the rest (61.1%) practised self-medication or by using drugs recommended by friends, family members or a paramedical worker. Reasons  given for self-medication include cheaper costs (52%), avoidance of delay at the hospital (51.6%), past experience of the efficacy of the drugs (51.9%).
Conclusion: Factors that influence self-medication should be addressed by appropriate stakeholders for it to be curbed.

Keywords: Analgesics, Antacids, Anti-malarials, Headaches, Medical Science