Self-medication practice and associated factor among adult household members in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia, Ethiopia, 2022: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Self-medication refers to the use of medicinal products by the consumers to treat selfrecognized disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of medication is not prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms. Globally, the prevalence of selfmedication is estimated to be around 27 – 99.4% according to different studies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess self-medication practice and associated factors among adult household members of Gubre town from April 28 to June 27, 2022. Data collection from 399 households was conducted by means of a systematic random sampling technique using a pre-tested questionnaire. Result: Among 398 respondents, 113 (28.4%) of them were found to practice self-medication. Two hundred and forty-three (61.05%) participants reported to have fallen sick in the 2 weeks before the survey. Being married (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.599, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 – 2.621), being literate (AOR = 1.672, 95% CI: 1.032 – 2.01), perceiving self-medication as an acceptable practice (AOR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.32 – 1.887), peer influence (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.304 – 2.321), and access to medical information (AOR = 1.452, 95% CI: 1.263 – 1.570) were significantly associated with self-medication practice. Conclusion: Nearly a quarter of the study participants practice self-medication. Being married, being literate, perceiving self-medication as an acceptable practice, peer influence, and access to medical information were significantly associated with self-medication practice. Relevance for Patients: Tailored interventions designed by policymakers, program designer, and implementers should aim to reduce or eliminate non-prescribed drug use among the community through the education on the impact of self-medication on individual health.