Prevalence, determinants, and information sources of self-medication among non-health workers in two tertiary institutions in Southwest Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Self-medication practices pose a significant public health challenge. Understanding the factors that drive this behaviour, particularly among non-health workers' is crucial for interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and identify the drivers and sources of information among non-health workers in two tertiary institutions.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among consenting workers, using self-administered questionnaires to collect data on self-medication, types of medications, reasons, and sources of information. We summarised data using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 21. The level of statistical significance was set at <0.05.

Of the 148 respondents, 62.8% engaged in self-medication. They used mainly analgesics (76.4%), antimalarials (72.3%), and antibiotics (58%) to self-medicate. More than half (70.9%) used herbal remedies they got from herb sellers. Common health conditions were body pain (65.5%), headache (62.8%), and malaria (59.5%). The primary reasons for self-medication were the perception of minor illness (71.6%), self-decision (49%), previous medication use (27%), and long waiting time in health facilities (26%). Most respondents (81%) reported getting information from pharmacists, relatives, and friends (70.9%). Factors associated with self-medicating with herbal remedies include having relatives as healthcare professionals (P=0.014) and ethnicity (P=0.001). Respondents having Diabetes or Hypertension are less likely to self-medicate.

The prevalence of self-medication is high. The workers self-medicated majorly with prescription-only medicines (POMs), over-the-counter medicines (OTCs), and herbal remedies. The combination of these medicines could have implications for adverse effects. Family/friends serving as sources of information underscores the need for interventions to curb self-medication.