IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND FACTORS INFLUENCING SELF-MEDICATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIESIN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study focuses on investigating impact assessment and factors influencing self-medication behaviours among undergraduates of selected universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. It explores general knowledge of self-medication, major reasons for engaging in self-medication, the prevalence of self-medication among students, its consequences, and possible intervention strategies, as outlined in the research objectives. Four theories were reviewed, namely: the opportunist theory, self-medication theory, differential association theory, and health belief theory. However, the study adopted two theories as its theoretical framework: self-medication theory and opportunist theory. The study employed a mixed-method research design. The target population for Nnamdi Azikiwe University was 24,706 regular undergraduates, while that of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University was 10,875 undergraduates. A structured questionnaire was administered to 360 students drawn from the two selected public universities. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, and presented in tables and charts. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo software (version 2.0). The hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square (χ²) inferential statistical method. The study found that prolonged medical procedures before treatment in hospitals and adverse drug reactions resulting from unsupervised drug use are the major factors and effects of self-medication among undergraduates in universities in Anambra State, respectively. The study recommends, among other measures, that efforts should be intensified to discourage self-medication practices among undergraduates in Nigerian universities through awareness campaigns and improved access to healthcare services.