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Self-medication practices in Khartoum State, Sudan
Abdelmoneim Ismail Awad1, Idris Babiker Eltayeb, Phillip A Capps
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat. amoneim@hsc.edu.kw
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|March 8, 2006
Summary
Self-medication with proprietary medicines and herbs is highly prevalent in Khartoum State, Sudan. Socio-economic factors significantly influence self-medication behaviors, highlighting public health policy needs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Self-medication is a global health concern, particularly in developing countries.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of self-medication with proprietary medicines and herbs in Khartoum State, Sudan.
- To identify socio-economic and demographic factors associated with self-medication practices.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum State, Sudan.
- Data were collected from 1,200 individuals using a pre-piloted questionnaire via multistage stratified clustered sampling.
- Response rate was 83.3%.
Main Results:
- 81.8% of respondents engaged in self-medication with medicines or herbs within two months prior to the study.
- Proprietary medicines were used by 28.3%, herbs by 20.7%, and both by 32.8%.
- Self-medication was associated with lower income, middle age, and female gender for herbs, and lower income and education for proprietary medicines.
Conclusions:
- Self-medication with medicines and herbs is highly prevalent in urban Khartoum.
- Socio-economic characteristics significantly influence self-medication behaviors.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted public health policies in Sudan and similar contexts.