Self‑Medication Practice in Akuse, a Rural Setting in Ghana
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Date
2019-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
Abstract
Objective: In most resource‑poor settings, there is a paucity of data on self‑medication and possible factors that influence this practice. The
current study assesses self‑medication among the people of Akuse, a rural setting in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods: A quantitative
cross‑sectional study was carried out in Akuse from 4th January 2016 to 27th February 2016. Using a questionnaire, interviews were conducted
to assess self‑medication: class of drugs taken, sources of drugs, knowledge of potential adverse effects, among others. Results: Of the 363
participants enrolled, 361 completed questionnaires administered. Of the 361 respondents, 58.4% were female. A majority of the respondents
were within the ages of 30 and 45 years. Respondents were mainly farmers (40.2%), and a majority (44.6%) had primary level as the highest
education. One major reason for self‑medication was influence from family and friends (32.7%). Antibiotics (32.1%) and analgesics (21.0%)
were the most common self‑medicated drugs, and these drugs were mostly obtained from licenced chemical sellers (32.5%). A little more than
a third (39.9%) of the respondents said that their condition did not change after self‑medication. A greater number of the respondents (81.7%)
did not have knowledge of potential adverse reactions associated with self‑medicated drugs. However, respondents with high educational level
had the most knowledge of adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: The study found self‑medication as a common practice among a number of
residents of Akuse. Findings from this study provide data that could be used for targeted education and sensitisation of self‑medication and
its demerits in similar resource‑poor rural settings.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Drugs, Questionnaire, Respondent, Self‑medication
Citation
Mensah BN, Agyemang IB, Afriyie DK, Amponsah SK. Self-medication practice in Akuse, a rural setting in Ghana. Niger Postgrad Med J 2019;26:189-94.