Abstract:
This study was about perception, practice and risk factors for self-medication.
Specific objectives of this study were; to determine the perception of Kakonko
District residents towards self- medication, to identify risk factors that influence
them to practice self-medication, to identify medicines which are commonly used for
self- medication as well as to determine sources of medicines information among
those who self- medicate.
This study was carried out at Kakonko District council in which 6 wards were
randomly selected from the available 11 wards in which in each ward 2 villages were
selected. The study area was chosen due to limited health care and increased
population as a result of influx of Burundian refugee which jeopardize health
services delivery. This study covered 90 respondents with different backgrounds and
experiences. Information from respondents were collected through questionnaires
and interviews.
Results show that out of 90 respondents, only 28% were aware of the concept of
self-medication while 88% of all respondents practiced self-medication. Risk factors
for self-medication mentioned were as; lack of basic education 64%, dishonorable
behaviors of service providers 30%, limited health services 71%, low income 51%,
long waiting hours at the facility 61%, knowledge of local medicines 33%, past
experience 44% and lastly fear to seek medical care was mentioned by 14% of all
respondents. On the other hand, common medicines used were found to be; 14
(25%) respondents said that they usually use ALU for self-medication, 13 (23%)
respondents paracetamol, metakelfin was used by 10 (17%), local medicines by 6
(11%) respondents, ciprofloxacin by 3 (5%) respondents, amoxicillin by 7 (12%)
while fragyl used by 4 (7%) respondents. Source of medicines information
mentioned are individual themselves, friends, family members, parents and other
relatives. Given the extent of the study findings, there is a need of concerted efforts
to deliver basic factual information to the society on health and social-economic
effects of self-medication.
