Prevalence, pattern and predictors of self-medication for COVID-19 among residents in Umuahia, Abia State, Southeast Nigeria: policy and public health implications

Abstract

Background COVID-19 has led to restrictions on movements and lockdown measures, which have resulted to higher utilization of over-the-counter drugs compared to prescription-only drugs. This study determined the prevalence, pattern and predictors of self-medication for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and November 2021 among the residents of Umuahia, Abia State. The respondents were selected using a snowball sampling technique, and a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the variables via Google forms. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 26. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results A total of 469 respondents participated in the survey. The overall prevalence of self-medication for COVID-19 prevention and treatment was 30.3% (95%CI: 26.7–34.1). The most commonly used medication was herbal products (43.7%). This was mainly self-prepared (41.5%). The major source of information for self-medication was from family members (39.4%). The majority of the respondents reported fear of isolation (76.3%), followed by fear of stigmatization (75.7%) as the triggers of self-medication. Older age (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.11–3.13), lower educational status [No formal education (aOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.28–11.19)], [Primary education (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.17–3.097)] and perception to cost (aOR = 2.29; 95CI: I.24–4.24) were the predictors of self-medication. Conclusion Every one in three residents of Umuahia, Abia State, practiced self-medication for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Some economic and socio-demographic factors were significantly associated with self-medication. We recommend intensifying public awareness campaigns on the risk of self-medication.

A systematic review of self-medication practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for pharmacy practice in supporting public health measures

“…Regarding the population, 30 studies were conducted targeting the general population ( 8 , 11 , 30 , 31 , 34 – 36 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 47 , 49 – 51 , 54 – 57 , 61 , 63 , 65 , 67 , 68 , 70 , 72 , 75 , 79 , 81 , 83 ), 10 was conducted in students ( 10 , 33 , 39 , 41 , 43 , 53 , 58 , 60 , 71 , 78 ), four in dental visit ( 12 , 29 , 45 , 46 ), three in healthcare workers ( 9 , 80 , 82 ), three in individuals visited medical stores and medical store owners ( 73 , 76 , 77 ), two in older adult ( 28 , 48 ), two in patient ( 27 , 66 ), one in COVID-19 recovered patients ( 52 ), one in mothers with school-age children ( 32 ), one in pregnant and breastfeeding women ( 62 ), one in pregnant and postpartum women ( 64 ), one in adults with a history of taking allopathic medication in the last month ( 37 ), one in five doctors with different specialties (interviews) and adults (survey) ( 59 ), one in people with symptoms related to anxiety and depression ( 69 …”

Effects of self-medication reasons, television advertisements, and pharmaceutical professionals' roles on self-medication practices

“…The study showed that women and the 30-40 age group practiced self-medication. 23 This finding is also supported by basic health research conducted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.…”

Assessing the Reasons and Adverse Effects of Self-Medication in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sierra Leone. A Case Study of Moriba Town Section

“…54,55 Nevertheless, limited healthcare infrastructure might push some towards self-medication. 56,57 Self-medication is 58 Another study done in Nigeria also reported a prevalence of 41% for self-medication, which was influenced by factors such as fear of stigmatization, quarantine, and infection. 39 A third study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 62.7% of participants in various African countries practiced self-medication.…”