FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SELF MEDICATION AMONG THE INDIGENES OF EKOSODIN

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SELF MEDICATION AMONG THE INDIGENCES OF EKOSODIN

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at finding out the factors responsible for self-medication among the indigenes of Ekosodin community in Benin City.

The review of related literature was done using known works in the area of self-medication and self care.

A 20-item questionnaire was administered to find out the various factors influencing their choice to practice self-medication. The data obtained was analysed using frequency and percentages.

The findings of the study showed that lack of accessibility to health services and facilities, poor implementation and enforcement of drug laws and policies and unavailability and ineffective dissemination of drug information to members of the community were the major factors responsible for the practice of self medication among members of the community.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

In the past few years, self-medication has spread widely throughout the world. This is partly due to the fact that people are increasingly taking responsibility for their own health. On the other hand, social security is inadequate and not able to cover the growing expenses and so backs up the idea of self-medication out of financial consideration.

Ekosodin, the community in which the study is being carried out, is a small community located in Ovia North-East Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. It is mostly populated by students and staff of the University of Benin due to its proximity to the campus. The indigenes of the community are mostly farmers, petty traders and artisans such as carpenters, hairdressers, tailors, welders, etc.

It has been observed generally that people will rather purchase over-the-counter drugs from a pharmacy than go to the hospital to consult a doctor for diagnosis of symptoms and prescription. Therefore some drugs have been removed from the category of prescription drugs and put under the over-the-counter drugs category. Consequently, people experiencing milder symptoms do not need to see a doctor because they can see the pharmacist for advice and medication for the ailment. This goes further to point out the fact that the advisory function of the pharmacist is becoming more prominent, giving the doctor more time to attend to severe cases.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SELF MEDICATION AMONG THE INDIGENES OF EKOSODIN