Resolution of signs and symptoms of illnesses among self-medicating undergraduate students of Mbarara University of Science and Technology: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication(SM) is highly prevalent among university students in Uganda, This poses various challenges to the local healthcare system and the nation at large. SM is notorious for its undesirable effects like adverse drug events, drug addiction, antimicrobial resistance, progression of disease to more complicated forms, prolonged morbidity and death. However, some studies have documented reports of resolution of signs and symptoms among self-medicating individuals. This study purposed to investigate the association between patterns of SM and resolution of signs and symptoms among undergraduate students enrolled at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda from February 2024 to April 2024. A physical close-ended self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25. The patterns of SM and the proportion of respondents who reported resolution of signs and symptoms were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. Pearson's Chi-square was performed to analyse the association between patterns of SM and resolution of signs and symptoms at the significance level of P < 0.05.

Results: Out of 387 respondents, the prevalence of self medication was 71.1% (275/387). Majority of respondents who self-medicated, 85.1% (234/275), reported resolution of signs and symptoms of their illnesses. Most respondents who self-medicated were treating cough, 65.1% (179/275), and headache, 58.5% (161/275). Most of them used cough medications, 63.3% (174/275), and over-the-counter pain relievers, 51.3% (141/275). In the current study there was a statistically significant association between resolution of signs and symptoms and; having cough, (X²(1, N = 178) = 3.851, p = 0.050), having sore throat, (X²(1, N = 64) = 4.983, p = 0.026), and use of cough or cold remedies, (X²(1, N = 173) = 5.668, p = 0.017).

Conclusion: The findings of the current study are suggestive of the popularity of SM among students attending university in sub-Saharan Africa. This study also brings to light the significance of SM to the health care of this population. However, the convenience of resolution of signs and symptoms could mask looming dangers of SM that should be seriously considered by all stakeholders of public health.