Description
Abstract
Self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medicines by individuals (or a member of the individuals’ family) to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Several benefits have been linked to appropriate self-medication self-medication is far from being a completely safe practice, in particular in the case of non-responsible self-medication. This study was aimed at assessing the awareness level of health implication of self-medication among the students of Paraclete Secondary School in Enugu State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used while adopting the questionnaire to obtain data from 160 students from SS1 to SS3, data collected were baseline demographics, perception of self-self medication, factors associated with practice of self medication, drugs commonly used and conditions for which the students practice self-medication and the health implication to the students. Findings of the study revealed that self-medication is prevalent it also revealed perception of the students towards self medication, the factors that contribute to self-medication and the health implications of practicing self medication. The study also showed that the health implications of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease and risk of dependence and abuse. It was recommended that the health implication of self medication practice and the consequences should be stressed to the students through the care givers and nurses in their health centre and there should be mass awareness campaigns targeted at the students to educate them across all levels and areas. This should be carried out by health professionals in partnership with the school authorities.
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