The Practice and Factors Modulating Self-Medication among University Healthcare Students in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. Although it can be beneficial if practiced appropriately, there are many risks associated with it, including misuse, abuse, addiction, and rising antibiotic resistance. This study evaluated the prevalence of self-medication practices and the factors associated with it.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using systematic random sampling among students of health-related courses at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, between 1st May and 31st August 2024, with a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics (frequency tables and cross-tabulations) summarized the data, while chi-square test was used to test associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 269 students participated, with the majority, 173 (64.3%), being medical students. All respondents practiced self-medication, with nearly half (49.1%) doing so rarely, one-third (33.1%) sometimes, and a smaller proportion (10.0%) often. The main reasons for self-medication were perception of symptoms as mild (82.5%), previous experience with the drug (82.5%), urgency of the health problem (74.7%), convenience of access to medicines (71.4%), and reliance on academic knowledge (66.2%). The most used drugs were antimalarials (85.9%), analgesics (82.5%), cold/cough remedies (77.7%), and antibiotics (72.9%). Younger students, undergraduates, those in lower levels, and those perceiving their health as good/very good were more likely to self-medicate (p = 0.020, 0.017, 0.008, 0.002).

Conclusions: This study concluded that self-medication is a persistent problem, commonly practiced among university healthcare students, involving the use of various drug classes. Efforts should focus on strengthening and enforcing prescription policies and enlightening students on rational drug use and the dangers of self-medication.