Self medication among patients seen at ophthalmology clinics at four hospitals in dar es salaam tanzania

Abstract

––Self medication practices with eye medicines among patients attending eye clinics and factors that lead to self-medicate were assessed. Patients visiting eye clinics were interviewed with the aid of a structured questionnaire composed of closed and open ended questions. A total of 358 respondents were interviewed. Among these 59.8% admitted to have used eye medicines before coming to hospital. Eighty eight percent 88.6% used modern medicines, 3.4% used traditional medicines and 7% used both modern and traditional medicines. Traditional eye medicines used were in liquid form, of which 68% were from plant sources, 16% salty water and 16% honey. The major sources of the eye medicines used were from pharmacies 41.6%, and hospitals 33%. Only 24.3% of respondent knew the names of the medicine used. Of the medicines used 66.7% were antibiotics. Fifteen percent 15.4% of respondents experienced side effect after self medication including blindness. Main factors influencing self medication were living far from hospital, and high cost of treatment in the formal health care facilities. It is concluded that self medication with eye medicines is common among the population interviewed. Health education on appropriate medicine use and dangers of using eye medicines without professional advice is needed.