Self-medication practice in Ethiopia: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundSelf-medication patterns vary among different populations, and are influenced by many factors. No review has been done that comprehensively expresses self-medication practice in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the literature on self-medication practice in Ethiopia.Materials and methodsDatabases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Hinari) were searched for published studies on the practice of self-medication in Ethiopia without restriction in the year of publication or methodology. Some studies were also identified through manual Google search. Primary search terms were “self medication”, “Ethiopia”, “self care”, “non-prescription”, “OTC drug use”, “drug utilization”, and “drug hoarding”. Studies that measured knowledge only or attitude only or beliefs only and did not determine the practice of self-medication were excluded.ResultsThe database search produced a total of 450 papers. After adjustment for duplicates and inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were found suitable for the review. All studies were cross-sectional in nature. The prevalence of self-medication varied from 12.8% to 77.1%, with an average of 36.8%. Fever/headache, gastrointestinal tract diseases, and respiratory diseases were the commonest illnesses/symptoms for which self-medication was taken. The major reasons for practicing self-medication were previous experience of treating a similar illness and feeling that the illness was mild. Analgesics/antipyretics, antimicrobials, gastrointestinal drugs, and respiratory drugs were the common drug classes used in self-medication. Mainly, these drugs were obtained from drug-retail outlets. The use of self-medication was commonly suggested by pharmacy professionals and friends/relatives.ConclusionSelf-medication practice is prevalent in Ethiopia and varies in different populations and regions of the country. Some of the self-medication practices are harmful and need prompt action. Special attention should be given to educating the public and health care providers on the types of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated and the types of drugs to be used for self-medication.

Determinants of antimicrobial use in diarrhoea management among under-five children in Zomba, Malawi

“…As per the Health Belief Model, a cue to action by mothers/caregivers influenced by the medical personnel, family and friends contributed to use of antibiotics without prescription which may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Other researchers established that these drugs are mostly bought from drug-retail outlets under the prescription of a pharmasist or a friend (Shafie et al, 2018;Ayalew, 2017;Bachrach and Gardner, 2002). These findings are in agreement with available published literature which indicated that intentions for selfmedication with antibiotics result from the need to save money and the desire to act promptly to treat suspected or confirmed bacterial infections (Carvajal-Vélez et al, 2016;Chalovich and Eisenberg, 2013;Le et al, 2011).…”

“…This delay in medication provides a leeway for faster becterial multiplication which prolongs the time taken for the child to recover from diarrhoea and may affect its survival. This implies that their ability to detect diarrhoeal disease which in turn affects their response rate is low, such that some mothers/caregivers percieve diarrhoea as mild medical condition which does not warrant seeking medical care (Le et al, 2011;Ayalew, 2017).…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self Medication among Pharmacy Students of Rift Valley University, Abichu Campus, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…The practice is expected to be higher in developing countries like Ethiopia this may be due to limited number of health care facilities available to the public. Self-medication is also expected to be even more practiced among health science students, who differed from the general population because they were exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs, so they might be expected to behave differently [14]. Self-medication practice is prevalent in Ethiopia and varies in different populations and regions of the country [15].…”

Self-medication practice and associated factors among adult household members in Meket district, Northeast Ethiopia, 2017

“…Globally, the prevalence of SMP is inconsistent ranging from 32.5 to 81.5% [2–4]. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of self-medication practice ranges from 12.8% to 77.1% [5]. …”