مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Self-medication practice in Sire town, West Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract :

Purpose: A considerable number of individuals in developing countries do not attend physicians for their illnesses; instead they commonly use self-medication. Although responsible self-medication with over the counter (OTC) drugs is often acceptable and promoted as one form of self-care, self-medication with prescription drugs is inappropriate and should always be discouraged. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of self-medication and associated factors in Sire town, West Ethiopia. Material and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 households, which were selected systematically. Data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Two hundred forty three individuals in 230 households perceived illness two weeks prior to the study. Out of them, 66 (27.16%) used self-medication. The practice of self-medication was not significantly associated with sex, educational status, occupation and income of the patients or caregivers. The most frequent illness reported for self-medication was headache (37.89%). Most (84.84%) of the drugs used for self-medication were obtained from drug stores. The relatively lower cost was the major, 21 (31.82%), reason for using self-medication. Analgesics were the largest category of medicinal agents used for self-medication 34(40.96%), followed by antibiotics 20 (24.10%), traditional medicines 17(20.48%), antimalarials 4(4.71%), and anthelminthics 3(3.53%). Conclusion: Self-medication was practiced by considerably large number of the study participants. The prevalence of self-medication with prescription drugs like antimicrobials was also high. Self- medication with these drugs without medical consultation may lead to inappropriate use and thereby contribute to emergence of drug resistance.