| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Self-medication is becoming increasingly common among adults in Uganda. Despite its potential risks at individual and community level, not enough studies have been done in Uganda on self-medication. This study sought to determine the
prevalence and associated factors of self-medication amongst adults attending pharmacies in Namugongo Division.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting adults attending pharmacies. A total of 381 respondents were systematically selected and interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. The outcome variable was the medication with or
without prescription from a doctor / medical worker. Using STATA 15.0 for data analysis, bivariate analysis using chi square and the Odds Ratio was used to determine factors independently associated with self-medication amongst adults. A 95% confidence interval
and p value of < 0.05 was used to test significance.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication amongst adults in Namugongo division was 58.9%. Respondents that were in the age groups of 20 to 29 years (OR 1.30 (1.11-1.53)) and 40 years (OR 1.61 (1.39-1.87)); were employed (OR 1.15 (1.07-1.24)) or retired (OR 1.33 (1.23-1.43)); were married (OR 1.18 (1.10-1.27)), divorced (OR 1.37 (1.28-1.47)), widowed (OR 1.29 (1.18-1.41)); and with an average monthly income (OR 1.11 (1.01- 1.23)) were more likely to self-medicate. Whereas respondents who were Muslims (OR 0.80 (0.73-0.88)) or Pentecostals (OR 0.83 (0.73-0.94)); and with a secondary level of education (OR 0.86 (0.75-0.98)), were less likely to self-medicate.
Conclusion: Self-medication is a common problem amongst adults attending pharmacies in Namugongo Division and it puts them at risk of adverse effects and possible poor treatment of chronic diseases. It’s associated with age, marital status and occupation.
There is need for Division Health Department to focus on socio-demographic factors affecting self-medication and encourage improved health seeking behavior. | en_US |
