Factors Influencing Self-Medication among Students of University of Ghana, Legon

Abstract

Self-medication is the act of obtaining and consuming drug(s) without the advice of a physician for treatment of self-diagnosed symptoms or illness. This praxis plays a major role in self-care and hence its adoption worldwide. According to International Pharmaceutical Federation (F.I.P) and World Health Organization (W.H.O), the public is well informed in recent times and as a resuit, have made their health care a more inclusive personal concern. W.H.O in collaboration with governments has encouraged prudent and discreet self-care only when it is backed with quality infonnation and knowledge about the drugs used. The youth, many of which are students contributes a greater proportion to this practice. This study used a cross-sectional approach to determine the factors influencing selfmedication among students of the University of Ghana, Legon. Primary data was gathered from 396 students using a questionnaire through a random sampling technique. The data was entered and analyzed using STATA 14.1 and the chi-square test was used to determine associations between variables. The prevalence of self-medication among students was forty-eight percent (48.0%). The practice of self-medication was common among females (54.8%) than in males (45.2%). Logistic regression analysis shows a significant difference (p< 0.05) between the race of respondents and the practice of self-medication. The most commonly used drug classes were antibiotics (37.1%), antimalarials (17.9%) and analgesics (13.2%). Most students obtain their drugs from the pharmacy (71.3%), friends/roommates (8.9%) and medicines from home (7.2%). Majority practiced self-medication because they believed the condition did not merit a physician visit (40.4%) while others felt they were aware of treatment options (35.4%). Major sources of good medical information from students were from pharmacists, doctors, and the internet. A proportion of 15.38% of the student had suffered one form of Adverse Drug Reaction as a result of the act. Although medical charges have been embedded in the fees of students, most students would still practice self-medication. Students have shown inadequate knowledge on the implication of drugs aside side effects. The high incidence of ADR among students as a result of self-medication raises public health concerns.