Self-Medication with Analgesics and Antibiotics- A Survey Among Traders in the Central Business District of Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication practices continue to be a growing global problem. The prevalence and nature of self-medication vary in different countries and cultures. A number of factors come into play to result in the decision to self-medicate. Some factors that have been associated with the frequency of self-medication in previous studies include age, educational level and legislation regulating the dispensing and sale of drugs. Inappropriate self-medication results in wastage of healthcare resources, increases resistance of pathogens, drug-drug interactions, and adverse drug reactions, leading to hospital admissions. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional method to estimate the extent of self-medication and factors associated with it among traders in the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra. A printed structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was collected between November 2016 and January 2017. Non-probability sampling, specifically convenience sampling, was used in the study. Questionnaires were administered by trained research assistants and traders were invited to participate by moving from shop to shop along the market area. Data was entered with Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysis was done using Stata version 14.0. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out to obtain summary tables and graphs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine adjusted odds ratios. Results: Four hundred and seventeen (417) traders (60.0% females) with a mean age of 36 (+10.6) years participated in the study. Prevalence of analgesic self-medication was 76.1%, with paracetamol being reported as the most common analgesic. Headache was reported to be the most common indication for analgesic use. Prevalence of antibiotic self-medication was 66.7%. Antibiotics were used mainly for upper respiratory tract infections. The most commonly used class of antibiotics was the penicillins. Highly educated people (O.R=0.39 (95% C.I; 0.16-0.98) were less likely to use antibiotics for self-medication. Community pharmacists (55.2%) were the main expected source of information on analgesics and antibiotics. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication with analgesics and antibiotics were high among the traders. There is the need to provide public education to traders on the harmful effects of self- medication; particularly with antibiotics. Community pharmacists operating in the CBD should be empowered to provide one-on-one education for traders who call to procure analgesics and antibiotics. vi