ASSESSMENT OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG NURSING STUDENTS OF BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Self-medication is a growing public health concern among university students, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where easy access to drugs and limited healthcare utilization encourage the practice. This study assessed the level of self-medication and its determinants among students of Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of self-medication, identify socio-demographic and environmental factors influencing the practice, and examine the relationship between self-medication and its determinants. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select undergraduate nursing students (200–500 level). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used for data analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a high prevalence of self-medication among students, with commonly used drugs including analgesics, antimalarials, and antibiotics. Key determinants identified included age, gender, academic level, financial constraints, peer influence, and easy access to over-the-counter medications. Environmental factors such as long waiting times at health facilities and the perception of illnesses as minor also contributed significantly. A statistically significant relationship was found between self-medication practices and their determinants. The study concluded that self-medication is widely practiced among students and is influenced by multiple interacting factors. It is recommended that targeted health education programs be implemented to increase awareness of the risks associated with self-medication. Additionally, stricter regulation of drug sales and improved access to quality healthcare services within the university are necessary to reduce the practice. Keywords: Self-medication, Determinants, University Students, Health Behaviour.

Identifiers

Resource ID

urn:uuid:8a92bb3d-6ec9-478d-bc2e-d96bfecf2ee2