Prevalence And Determinants Of Self-Medication Practices For Covid-19 Prevention Among Public Transport Drivers In La Nkantanang Madina Municipal District

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is abrupt and has unprecedentedly affected millions of people worldwide. Practices such as proper wearing of face mask, social distancing among other prevention interventions are some recommended mitigating measures. There is an increasing concern about self-medication and consequently, there is a need to respond to self-medicating practice among vulnerable populations such as drivers. The study therefore sought to investigate the prevalence of self-medication practices for COVID-prevention among public transport drivers in La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal District. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey using a multistage sampling technique. The data was collected using a semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire through a face-to-face interview. Further, data was captured using Kobo-Collect and exported to Stata 16 for analysis. Means, standard deviation, proportions, and frequencies were used to summarize continuous and categorical variables. A Chi-square and logistic regression models were used to determine association between independent and dependent variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant statistically. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.52. Majority, 243 (66.6%) of the drivers had no alternate occupation. Overall, prevalence of self-medication in the past 2 months to prevent COVID-19 was 9.3% (95% CI: 0.02-0.10). Factors mainly associated with self-medication were a previous experience with COVID-19 symptoms [OR= 6.35(95% CI:3.04 – 13.27); p=<0.001] and presence of a chronic disease [OR=3.32(95% CI: 1.53 – 7.23); p=0.02]. The drugs most commonly used by the drivers to self-medicate were Vitamin C (55%), Ibuprofen (27.5%), Zinc (15%) and Amoxicillin (12.5%). The most predominating herbal product used to prevent COVID-19 was the leaf of the Neem tree (29%). Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication for COVID-19 prevention among public transport drivers in La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipal District was low. Medicines commonly used by public transport drivers were well known by respondents are easily available on the open market at less expensive rates and so respondents can afford them. It is therefore vital to embark on educational campaigns and strict legislative measures in relation to the dispensing of drugs from private pharmacies and chemical shops and facilitate access to health facilities among other important interventions that may cause a behavior change among respondents.