Self-Medication Practices among the People of Oli, Arua municipality in Arua District, Uganda 

Luwate Clement

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Uganda.

ABSTRACT

Self-medication has emerged as a significant public health concern globally, with studies revealing widespread prevalence and associated knowledge gaps, potentially leading to inappropriate medication use. This practice has resulted in medication abuse, leading to harmful side effects, drug resistance, and delays in seeking proper medical care. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of self-medication, knowledge levels, reasons for self-medication, common drugs used, and their sources in Oli Division. This community-based, cross-sectional study involved 384 adult residents aged 18 years and above, selected from Oli Division using convenient random sampling. Data were collected through structured and open-ended questionnaires and analyzed using computer software. The prevalence of self-medication was high at 72.7%, despite a negative attitude toward the practice. Males exhibited a higher rate of self-medication compared to females, with 80.3% and 68.7%, respectively. Community pharmacies were identified as the primary source of self-medicated medicines. Additionally, there was a lack of knowledge about self-medication and its implications, with older individuals showing greater awareness compared to younger ones. Emergency purposes were the main reason for self-medication, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics being the most commonly used drugs. The study concludes that self-medication prevalence in Oli Division is alarming, with practices including the use of prescription-only medicines without medical guidance. Community pharmacies play a significant role as sources of self-medicated drugs. There is a need for increased community awareness about the risks associated with self-medication to improve knowledge levels and mitigate its negative impacts. This could involve educational campaigns aimed at curbing self-medication practices and promoting responsible medication use.

Keywords: Self-medication, Knowledge, Prevalence, Implications, Antibiotics

CITE AS: Luwate Clement (2024). Self-Medication Practices among the People of Oli, Arua municipality in Arua District, Uganda. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 3(2):6-17.