Self medication for oral health problems in Cameroon

Abstract

The majority of the respondents self-medicated for oral health problems. Unmarried, urban residents, aged 21-30 years reported significantly increased self-medication for oral health problems. Evidently dangerous substances were utilised for self-medication in this study, necessitating awareness and other forms of intervention.

Self Medication, Drug Dependency and Self-Managed Health Care - A Review

“…In developing countries common sources of antimalarials used for self treatment were street and village shops and this could account for up to half of antimalarial drug distribution 119. Recent studies in Nigeria and Cameroun 24,29 agrees with the above showing that the hospital/pharmacy, patent /road side medicine dealers, and local hawkers/mobile drug vendors and native healers were the commonest sources.…”

“…The younger age group engaged in self medication than the older ones 29,44,56,70,89,90 . However, some studies revealed no association between age and self medication 16,24,91,92 .…”

“…A study revealed that the current use-rate was 52.9% among children with post-operative dental pain 74 . Apart from pharmaceutical products used by the majority, a minority patients use dangerous substances to alleviate dental pain such as battery water, local gin and 'touch and go' solution 33 , petrol and vinegar 29 .…”

“…Dentists are aware that patients with dental pain often use OTC analgesics on their own to alleviate symptoms or to avoid the need for dental attendance altogether 29,33,73 . A study revealed that the current use-rate was 52.9% among children with post-operative dental pain 74 .…”

“…In choosing the most appropriate medicine to buy from the chemist shop, people relied on the advice of the sales clerk in the chemist shop 1 , print media, family and friends 24,29,120,121 , pharmacist, general medicine dealers, general and private medical practitioners 24 . Among the young ones, sources of drugs knowledge include family members especially the mother (for therapeutic purposes), peer groups and illegal market (for intoxication purposes) 122 .…”