Knowledge and self-medication practices among students in school of midwifery, Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Knowledge, Self- Medication, practice, behavours, influencing factorsAbstract
Over the years, attention has been focused on the increasing use of self-medication and unprescribed drugs, particularly among students, which has attracted the concern of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies across the country, especially regarding the use of over-the-counter medications. This study examines the knowledge and self-medication practices among students in school of midwifery, Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria, focusing on their knowledge and awareness levels, the extent of self-medication practices, and the factors influencing these behaviors. A total of 400 students were randomly selected through simple random sampling technique. The data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaires that addressed demographic information, knowledge of self-medication, frequency, and types of medications used, and influencing factors. The methodology employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, utilizing frequency and percentage calculations for yes/no responses and a 4-point Likert scale to analyze knowledge and factors influencing self-medication practices. The results revealed that 85% of students had heard of self-medication, with 72% recognizing online sources as reliable. Additionally, 60% reported self-medicating for common conditions, predominantly using analgesics (45%) and antibiotics (30%). Factors such as the availability of over-the-counter medications (82%) and peer influence (78%) were significant drivers of self-medication. The findings underscore the importance of integrating comprehensive education on safe medication practices into nursing curricula and developing guidelines to manage self-medication behaviors. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for public awareness campaigns to inform both nursing students and the general public about the risks associated with self-medication.Downloads
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