Factors Influencing Self-Medication Among Students of University of Ghana, Legon

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the factors influencing selfmedication among students of the University of Ghana (UG), Legon
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among UG students and collected primary data from 396 students using a structured questionnaire through a systematic sampling technique. Data on the demographic characteristics, health seeking behaviour and knowledge on the implications of drugs were analysed using Stata 14.1 and chi-square test was used to determine the association between the dependent variable (self-medication) and the independent variables (factors influencing self-medication) under study.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication among the students was 48.0% [95% CI 43.1-53.0]. The reasons associated with this were: the believe that the condition didn’t merit a physician visit (42.1% p=0.000), familiarity with treatment options (36.8% p=0.000),
lack of time (14.7% p=0.000), lack of primary physician (6.8% p=0.000) and the lack of a valid insurance (1.9% p=0.070). Regardless the free medical services available to the students at the University’s health facilities, 128(67.4%) students would practice self-medication.
Long hours of waiting (39.3%), quick relief from sickness (28.0%), distance to the hospital (18.0%) and the negative attitude of physicians (18.0%) were some of the reasons given. However, 22(11.6%) [95% Cl 07.7-17.0] have suffered some form of Adverse effect
from self-medication.
Conclusion: Self-medication is prevalent among students due to time constraints and unpleasant attitude of health care providers. The University Hospital in collaboration with Ghana Health Service should organize public lectures on self-medication and address
students’ challenges.