Assessment Of Self-Medication Among Adults In Ugandan Communities In: A Case Study In Makindye Division-Kampala.

Abstract

Introduction:This study assessed self-medication practices and it‟s determinants among communities in Makindye-Kampala capital city. The main objective of the study was to assess self-medication practices among adults living in Makindye Division, Kampala District. The specific objectives were (i)To assess individual factors that influence self-medication practices among communities in Makindye Division, Kampala District, (ii)To assess socioeconomic factors that influence self-medication among communities in Makindye Division, Kampala District and (iii)To determine health system-related factors which influence to self-medication among communities in Makindye Division, Kampala District.

Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 436 residents in selected parishes of Makindye division, Kampala district from November to December 2021. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative collection methods. Self-medication was defined as the use or purchase of drugs without a prescription from a qualified medical professional. Data on individual, socioeconomic and health system factorswere collected using a pretested questionnaireand analyzed using logistic regression at 5% statistical significance level using STATA version 15. Qualitative data were inductively analyzed and themed by the study objective.

Results: A total of 436 were enrolled in the study. The participants had a mean age of 33.07(±11.61) years and an age range of 18 - 66 years. The majority were females (53.21%) and most were unmarried (66.74%). Self-medication was more common among participants who rented their household premises (aOR 3.49 95% CI 1.76 - 6.89), didn‟t think a qualified medical provider‟s prescription was needed before taking any medication (aOR 4.11 95% CI 1.88 – 9.00) and those who were managed under community-based DOTS (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.25–2.92) and the practice of self-medication to prevent COVID-19 (aOR11.48, 95% (3.36 - 39.25). Individual, socioeconomic and health-system related factors influenced self-medication. Conclusion:The study founda high prevalence of self-medication among adults in Makindye division practised self-medication. To reduce self-medication, local councils, the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Authority should continually enforce standards and increase community awareness towards the importance of prescriptions and the dangers of self- medication.