Abstract:
Background: WHO acknowledges the existence of a valid role of self-medication.
However, there is potential misuse and abuse of self medication. Studies on factors
influencing the use of self medication should be of interest to public health practitioners
due to its possible deleterious effects. However, in Ethiopia there is a paucity of
community based study which tried to identify the factors associated with self medication.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors
of self medication among adult ill individuals in Gondar, Ethiopia, 2014.
Methods: Community based quantitative cross-sectional study design was conducted in
Gondar town from March 16 to 30, 2014. The study included 1052 ill adult individuals
through the past two weeks prior to the data collection time. The study participants were
selected by using multi stage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured
and pretested questionnaires and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to
identify factors associated with self-medication practice. Finally, results were presented
with appropriate tables and graph as well as Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) and 95%
confidence interval.
Findings: The prevalence of self-medication among ill adult individuals in Gondar town
two weeks prior to the study was 34.9% (95% confidence Interval 31.9, 37.9). Age group
of 24-44, educational status, divorced, widowed, self employed, house wives, duration of
illness, severity of the illness, presence of chronic disease and good perceived general
health status were found to be significantly associated with the practice of self-medication
in two weeks recall period.
Conclusion: The prevalence of self medication in Gondar town was high. Self medication
was higher among those, age group of 25 – 44, divorced, widowed, house wives, longer
duration of illness, presence of chronic illness, perceived low severity of illness, and
perceived good general health status.
