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

Abstract

Introduction: Now a day’s self-medication practice is increasing widely due to availability of variety of over the counter medications. Self-medication practice is expected to be higher in health science students due to their exposure to knowledge about different diseases and drugs. If self-medication is used properly it saves time and money spent. Improper self-medication practice or medication abuse may lead to serious adverse drug reactions and possibly fatal consequences and emergence of antibiotic resistant. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among Pharmacy Students in Rift Valley University of the Abichu campus. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires which comprise 7 parts among pharmacy students (year one to five) who were available during the study period (January 1st to February 1st, 2017). Descriptive statistics was used to describe the frequency of variables contained in the questionnaire. Results: Six hundred forty students were included in the study, of these 443 students were participated. A total of 400 students filled properly and returned the questionnaire. Among the participants, 218 (54.5%) were females with the prevalent age group of 26-35 years 202 (50.2%). Nearly half of the respondents 189 (47.3%) didn’t know the medication classification of OTC and prescription only drugs. About 165 (41.3%) had information about the medication classification of OTC and prescription only drugs. The most frequently reported self-medication symptom was fever/ headache (69.3%) followed by gastric pain (67.5%). The three main reasons for self-medication were non-seriousness, quick relief and emergency use accounting for 81.3%, 70.3%, and 45.8% respectively. Among the respondents, 109 (27.3%) had not practiced self-medication. 262 (65.5%) had visited physicians for the illnesses encountered whereas 52 (13.0%) had taken no action and others 291 (72.8) used pure self-medication from pharmacy or drug vendor without prescription. Paracetamol (92.0%), antacids (71.8%) and antibiotic (66.8%) were the most frequently consumed medication among the participants. The main source of information during self-medication was reading material (56.3%) followed by advice from pharmacist (43.8%), and advice from physician/nurses without prescription (38.8%). More than half of the respondents agreed that the practice of self-medication is part of self-care in the study. Conclusion and Recommendation: A significant number of students were identified to practice self-medication and nearly half of the respondents have no knowledge about OTC and prescriptions only drugs. Prevalence of selfmedication increases as year of study increases. This may be due to increased study exposure to diseases and medications. Students should be aware that improper use of medications can lead to drug resistance, toxicity, and increased side effects.