Perception and practice of self-medication among non-clinical students in Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is practiced worldwide and even among non-clinical students. In this cross sectional study, the researchers examined the perception and practice of self-medication among non-clinical students in Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study involved non -clinical students of the university in the 2013/2014academic session.   Methods: Simple random sampling technique by way of balloting was used to select 7 out of the 11 faculties of the university. Selection of departments from the various faculties was done based on calculation of proportions as provided by the calculated sample sizeof 220 obtained using Leslie Kish sample size calculation formula while the respondents were selected from each level using systematic random sampling. A semi –structured questionnaire was used for data collection after it was presented to research experts and a statistician for necessary modifications to ensure face and content validity while reliability was ensured through a pre –test on 30 respondents from Faculty of Social Sciences of Federal University of Science and Technology, Otueke Bayelsa Stateyielding a coefficient of 0.89. Ethical approval was sought and obtained from Ethical Review Committee of Niger Delta University. Respondents’ consent was obtained and the researchers administered the questionnaire to the respondents face to face and retrieved them after been dully completed. Data obtained was presented in frequencies, percentages and charts and Chi square (X2) was used to test the formulated hypotheses.   Results: Findings revealed a positive perception about self-medication and respondents were found to be highly involved in its practice. Most of the respondents believed self-medication is cheaper, saves time and is as effective as prescription medicine. The study also identified factors influencing practice of self-medication as minor illnesses, past experience, avoidance of long waiting hours in queue to see a physician and time constrain. Findings revealed a significant relationship between socio-demographic characteristics (age and sex) and the practice of self-medication as well as between perception and practice of self-medication.   Conclusion: Self–medication was commonly practiced among non–clinical students who justified this action for so many reasons ranging from finance, time, severity of illness and past experience.Keywords:self-medication, non-clinical students, Niger Delta University, Nigeria