| dc.description.abstract | The study was entitled “Factors associated with self-medication among adults in Entebbe Municipality division ‘A’”. In Uganda, the practice of self-medication is widely practiced in several sections of the population with its prevalence ranging from 5% to above 70% in different communities. As a result, a study was initiated to identify the factors responsible for its prevalence. Guided by the objectives of identifying the prevalence of self-medication, identifying the socio-economic factors, establishing the health system factors as well as examining the Personal-cultural factors influencing self-medication among adults, the study was able to seek views from the respondents. Literature for different authors was reviewed to identify the agreements and disagreements between authors.
Using a cross sectional research design and applying Kish and Leslie (1965) formula for determining the sample size, the study used a sample of 282 respondents although only 219 successfully filled and returned the questionnaires. Data was collected using close-ended questionnaires from the sample of 282. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the required number of respondents in the study.
The study findings indicate that there was a high prevalence of self-medication in the study area indicated at 93.2%. The study also indicated that income level, education as well as knowledge of self-medication among residents were predictors of their intent to use self-medication. Moreover, the study also indicated that long waiting time, non-supportive medical staff, inadequate public health facilities as well as easy accessibility of private clinics and pharmacies were the health system factors influencing the use of self-medication among adults in Entebbe Municipality division „A‟. Furthermore, as per the study, cultural beliefs, perceptions and values held by community members play a role in influencing the practice of self-medication among residents of Entebbe Municipality division “A”.
Based on the above findings, the researcher recommended ensuring an equitable distribution of drugs in public health facilities, putting up mechanisms for improve health care delivery to the patients as well as improve the working conditions of medical staff. | en_US |
