FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SELF-MEDICATION AMONG ADULTS AGED 18-45 YEARS AT NTWETWE HEALTH CENTER IV, KYANKWANZI DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Self-medication is the use of medications without prior medical consultation regarding indication, dosage, and duration of treatment. The purpose of the study is to identify factors contributing to self-medication among adults aged 18-45 years at Ntwetwe Health Center IV, Kyankwanzi district.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study using quantitative methods of data collection was used to determine

The study included all adults aged 18-45 years at Ntwetwe Health Centre IV. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and checked for completeness then analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Results

(68%) of the respondents were females while (42%) were males. Results on individual factors contributing to self-medication showed the presence of self-medication since (78%) had kept some medication at home, (70%) minor illness. (90%) had drug outlets like pharmacies around their homes, (60%) were recommended by someone in the community to acquire certain drugs. The study also established health-related factors contributing to self-medication indicated since, (36%) had no health facility around their homes (36%) had to move long distances to reach health facilities, (56%) found no drugs at public health facilities, (72%) had to wait long waiting hours at health facilities to see health workers and (72%) had a right to choose a drug after consultation from health workers.

Conclusion

The major factors contributing to self-medication were keeping some medication at home, minor illness, having drug outlets near home, recommendation from community members, absence of health center near home, absence of drugs in public health centers, long waiting hours, the right to choose drug after consultation

Recommendations

The Ministry of Health should design and implement health care that will ensure proper management of drugs at health facilities by health workers to improve handling drugs in health facilities