Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Self-Meditation Among Students In Selected Institutions

This study investigated the knowledge attitude and practice of self-meditation among students in selected institutions. Most of the students confessed to buying drugs which are in their packs (82.5%) as opposed to demanding their drugs be dispensed by the pharmacist or chemist which was the case in 12.5% of respondents. In response to the question on how often the respondents read the drug leaflets, about half (50.8%) of the residents claimed to always read the leaflets before using any drug while only 6 (3.1%) have never read the leaflets. The prevalence of self-medication is high amongst the predominantly well educated residents Ikeja Local Government Area, despite majority being aware of its harmful effects. Self medication is largely preferred amongst the respondents because of its time and cost effectiveness. There therefore is a dire need to adequately equip the populace with drug information as well as educate the public on the limits and acceptable attitudes and practices of self medication even as the health authorities and pharmaceutical companies put in place more guided safety measures

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Self-medication is defined by the World Self-Medication Industry (WSMI) as the treatment of common health problems with medicines especially designed and labeled for use without medical supervision and approved as safe and effective for such use(Sharma, Verma & Sharma, 2006). Kapoor It is common for individuals to feel unwell at one time or the other and the innate survival instinct in humans produces a tendency to treat themselves. Every day, all over the world, people, irrespective of how knowledgeable they may be, act on their health without consulting qualified health personnel; they practice what is known as self-care, a lifelong habit and culture, which largely and mostly all over the world, Nigeria inclusive is in form of self-medication.

Medicines for self-medication are often called ‘non-prescription’ or ‘over the counter’ (OTC) products, and are available without a doctor’s prescription through pharmacies and in some countries, in supermar¬kets, chemists and other outlets. The medicines that require a doctor’s prescription are generally called prescription products (Rx products). Self-medication with OTC medicines is sometimes referred to as ‘responsible’ self-medication to distinguish this from the practice of purchas¬ing and using a prescription medicine without a doctors’ prescription. This is irresponsible (and potentially dangerous) ‘self-prescription’, and has no place in self-care or (responsible) self medication

The nature and extent of self medication indeed varies in different cultural contexts 3 and the socio-economic and educational influences may be greater than the influence of medical practice. 4 Self medication is indeed a very common practice, both in the economically deprived communities as much as it is in the economically privileged. Without doubt, self-medication by means of non-prescription medicines is a growing trend of ‘self-care’ which has its positive and negative aspects(Sharma, Verma & Sharma, 2006).

World-wide, consumers commonly reach for self-care products to help them solve their common health problems which include fever, body pains, indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections. This is because it is considered easier, more cost-effective, time-saving, or the problem may seem too trivial to necessitate making an appointment with a healthcare professional, and in other cases, they may have few or no other options. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that responsible self-medication can help prevent and treat ailments that do not require medical consultation and provides a cheaper alternative for treating common illnesses. It is therefore necessary to develop tools in every environment to evaluate the appropriateness of self medication.8, 9The challenge and opportunity for governments, healthcare professionals, and providers of self-medication products all over the world and in developing nations particularly, then, is to have a responsible framework in place for self-medication as a practice.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Self-medication is becoming an increasingly important component of health care in both developing and developed countries, unlike other aspects of self-care, it involves the use of drugs, which have the potential to do good as well as cause harm. Several studies on the subject indicate that there are risks such as misdiagnosis, drug resistance, use of drugs in excessive amounts, use of expired drugs, prolonged duration of use, drug interactions, poly-pharmacy; and other toxicological and pharmacological risks associated with improper use of non-prescription medicines(Sharma, Verma & Sharma, 2006).

In some parts of the world, particularly in the more privileged, developed countries, the high prevalence of self-medication is a reason for optimism, as it demonstrates the continuous growth of consumers’ self-awareness and self-reliance and their escape from the dependency and alienation brought about by “medicalization” of health care.This however cannot be said about self-medication in developing countries where it is not an escape from “medicalization” but rather the appearance of a more subtle and less visible form of it. Truly, self-medication may be very common in the industrialized world, but it is hardly, equivalent to that in developing countries both in a quantitative and qualitative sense(Sharma, Verma & Sharma, 2006).

Nigeria stands out among the few countries of the world where drugs are freely displayed for sale in unauthorized places such as markets, shops, roadside stalls, motor parks and other public places by individuals not duly licensed. This indiscriminate use of drugs cuts across all categories of people and it could be for medical, social or recreational purposes. 13Several literature reveal a high incidence of self medication with over-the-counter, complementary and sometimes prescriptions medicines in a range of 15.0 �" 81.5% in different localities (Oshikoya et al., 2007). The common reasons given for practicing self-medication include long delays in the health centres, previous experience of medical treatment of the same symptoms, illness being considered too trivial and health centres not being socially accessible. However some people may engage in the practice due to ignorance, poverty and non-availability of health facilities((Oshikoya et al., 2007).

It is widely believed that human behaviour such as inadequate dosing, incomplete courses and indiscriminate drug use have contributed to the emergence and spread of resistance to certain drugs in the country over the past few years. The consequences include the loss of relatively cheap drugs, and their replacement by new drugs which are more expensive (as in the case of replacement of chloroquine with the arthemether combination drugs), and may lead to poor drug-compliance. Furthermore, presently in Nigeria, drugs such as antibiotics, analgesics hormonal drugs and anti-hypertensives which must be prescribed by a physician before purchase over-the-counter in developed countries find their way into the hands of consumers without a prescription. It is known that the patent medicine sellers go as far as dispensing the drugs as opposed to the stated regulation which instructs that 0TCs are to be sold manufacturers pack only((Oshikoya et al., 2007).

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-meditation among students in selected institutions.

Specific objectives include:

1. To determine the knowledge and attitude of the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions on the benefits and risks of self-medication.
2. To identify the drugs commonly used and conditions for which the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions practice self medication.
3. To identify the determinants of self-medication amongst the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the knowledge and attitude of the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions on the benefits and risks of self-medication?
2. What are the drugs commonly used and conditions for which the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions practice self medication?
3. What are the determinants of self-medication amongst the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is of great importance to every student and scholar in the medical field. The literature reviewed here will add significantly the previous knowledge of scholars and student. On the part of government and stakeholders in the health sector, this study will add significantly to their bank of knowledge. The study will also serve as a guide towards health policy implementation on the part of the government and stakeholders in the health sector.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focused on knowledge attitude and practice of self meditation among students in selected institutions. Other aspects covered in this study include the determinants of self-medication amongst the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions, the drugs commonly used and conditions for which the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions practice self medication as well as the knowledge and attitude of the students of Nigerian tertiary institutions on the benefits and risks of self-medication.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

This study was constrained by some factors. Firstly, the time frame allocated for the completion of this study was not enough for the researcher to extensively carry out research based on the theme of this research work. On the other hand, the research participants were not willing to participate in responding to the administered questionnaire of this study. Also, the required materials like journals and articles needed for the proper completion of this study were not readily available online and offline. All these constraint put together, ultimately determined the extent to which the researcher was able to go in this study.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Drug:

Chemical substance that causes a change in an organism’s physiology or psychology when consumed.. In pharmacology, a drug is a chemical substance, typically of known structure, which, when administered to a living organism, produces a biological effect.[3] A pharmaceutical drug, also called a medication or medicine, is a chemical substance used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease or to promote well-being. Traditionally drugs were obtained through extraction from medicinal plants, but more recently also by organic synthesis.[4] Pharmaceutical drugs may be used for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for chronic disorders.[5]

Pharmaceutical drugs are often classified into drug classes�"groups of related drugs that have similar chemical structures, the same mechanism of action (binding to the same biological target), a related mode of action, and that are used to treat the same disease.[6][7] The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC), the most widely used drug classification system, assigns drugs a unique ATC code, which is an alphanumeric code that assigns it to specific drug classes within the ATC system. Another major classification system is the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. This classifies drugs according to their solubility and permeability or absorption properties.

Knowledge:

Awareness of facts or as practical skills, and may also mean familiarity with objects or situations. Knowledge of facts, also called propositional knowledge, is often defined as true belief that is distinct from opinion or guesswork by virtue of justification. While there is wide agreement among philosophers that propositional knowledge is a form of true belief, many controversies in philosophy focus on justification: whether it is needed at all, how to understand it, and whether something else besides it is needed. These controversies intensified due to a series of thought experiments by Edmund Gettier and have provoked various alternative definitions. Some of them deny that justification is necessary and replace it, for example, with reliability or the manifestation of cognitive virtues. Others contend that justification is needed but formulate additional requirements, for example, that no defeaters of the belief are present or that the person would not have the belief if it was false.

Self-Medication:

A human behavior in which an individual uses a substance or any exogenous influence to self-administer treatment for physical or psychological conditions: for example headaches or fatigue.

The substances most widely used in self-medication are over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, which are used to treat common health issues at home. These do not require a doctor’s prescription to obtain and, in some countries, are available in supermarkets and convenience stores.

The field of psychology surrounding the use of psychoactive drugs is often specifically in relation to the use of recreational drugs, alcohol, comfort food, and other forms of behavior to alleviate symptoms of mental distress, stress and anxiety,[2] including mental illnesses or psychological trauma, is particularly unique. Such treatment may cause serious detriment to physical and mental health if motivated by addictive mechanisms. In postsecondary (university and college) students, self-medication with “study drugs” such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta has been widely reported and discussed in literature.

Products are marketed by manufacturers as useful for self-medication, sometimes on the basis of questionable evidence. Claims that nicotine has medicinal value have been used to market cigarettes as self-administered medicines. These claims have been criticized as inaccurate by independent researchers. Unverified and unregulated third-party health claims are used to market dietary supplements.

Self-Care:

The process of establishing behaviors to ensure holistic well-being of oneself, to promote health, and to actively management of illness when it occurs.[1] Individuals engage in some form of self-care daily with food choices, exercise, sleep, and dental care.[1] Self-care is not only a solo activity as the community�"a group that supports the person performing self-care�"overall plays a large role in access to, implementation of, and success of self-care activities. While the concept of self care has received increased attention in recent years, it has ancient origins.[2] Socrates has been credited with founding the self-care movement in ancient Greece, and care are of oneself and loved ones has been shown to exist since human beings appeared on earth. Self-care has also been connected to the Black Feminist movement through civil rights activist and poet Audre Lorde. Self-care was used to preserve black feminist’s identities, energize their activism, and preserve their minds during the civil rights movement.[5] Self-care remains a primary form of personal and community healthcare worldwide; self-care practices vary greatly around the world.

1.9 Organization of the Study

This research work is categorized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), background to the study, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms. Chapter two encompasses the conceptual review theoretical review and empirical reviews on which the study is based. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary of Findings

ronically, despite the overwhelming practice of self medication among the respondents, over 85% of them believed that the chemists and over-the-counter sales men were not knowledgeable enough to give adequate and correct information on the drugs been purchased However, up to 30% of the respondents confessed that the chemists, sales and local pharmacy personnel were their source of drug information and a good proportion of the remainder received information from medical personnel (nurses and other health assistant workers) and the drug leaflets. The reports in a Nigerian study also showed that the main channel of information and the usual source where medication was obtained were the patent medicine dealers and chemists, who are usually closer to the grassroots probably due to the relatively limited number of Registered Pharmacist and Medical Doctors in the developing countries.

The drugs used for self medication were therefore mostly purchased from private pharmacies, chemists and hospital pharmacies. This is in concurrence with a local study in which the major source of drugs used for self medication were purchased from community pharmacies and contrast to studies which revealed that the populace purchased drugs from patent medicine sellers 17. The frequency of purchase of drugs from pharmacies in this study may be related to the fact that over 75% of respondents claimed to have a health facility or particular doctor they visit, even though only 50% visited when they fell ill, and considered that the ailment was not a minor one.

5.2 Conclusion

The prevalence of self-medication is high amongst the predominantly well educated residents Ikeja Local Government Area, despite majority being aware of its harmful effects. Self medication is largely preferred amongst the respondents because of its time and cost effectiveness. There therefore is a dire need to adequately equip the populace with drug information as well as educate the public on the limits and acceptable attitudes and practices of self medication even as the health authorities and pharmaceutical companies put in place more guided safety measures.

5.3 Recommendation

• There should be increasing awareness and education at all levels regarding the importance of professional consultation before drug use ,the implications of self medication and the place of responsible self medication
• Strict policies need to be implemented by the Government and other stake holders on the advertising and selling of medications to prevent this problem from escalating
• Strategies should be formulated and policies enforced to prevent the supply of medicines without prescription by pharmacies.
• Strategies should be put in place at all cadres of health care delivery to ensure efficient health services that receiving health care becomes much less difficult and time consuming
• Further researches should be carried out , probably on larger scale on this global phenomenon as it is a problem that should not be ignored.

• Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Of Rabies Among Residence
• Menstrual Hygiene: Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Amongst Adolescent In Community Secondary School
• Knowledge, Attitude And Perceptions Of Students Of Business Studies Trainee-Teachers And Classroom Conduct In Nigeria
• Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of Biosafety And Biosecurity Among Laboratory Workers
• Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Hand Washing Among Market Women In Pankshin District
• Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Standard Precautions Among Healthcare Workers
• Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Healthcare Workers Towards Management Of Healthcare Waste In FMC

• Public Health / Community Health Project Topics and Materials