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Self-medication practice in Ethiopia: a systematic review
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Patient Preference and Adherence
|March 11, 2017
Summary
Self-medication is common in Ethiopia, with a prevalence averaging 36.8% for various illnesses. This practice, often involving analgesics and antimicrobials, necessitates public and healthcare provider education to mitigate potential harms.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Self-medication patterns are diverse and influenced by numerous factors.
- A comprehensive review of self-medication practices in Ethiopia was previously lacking.
- This study addresses the need for an overview of self-medication in the Ethiopian context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on self-medication practices in Ethiopia.
- To identify common illnesses, drug classes, and sources associated with self-medication.
- To highlight the prevalence and variations of self-medication across different Ethiopian populations.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of multiple databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Hinari) and manual Google searches was conducted.
- Studies were included if they measured self-medication practice, excluding those measuring only knowledge, attitude, or beliefs.
- A total of 21 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of self-medication in Ethiopia ranged from 12.8% to 77.1%, averaging 36.8%.
- Commonly self-medicated conditions included fever, headache, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases, often treated with analgesics, antipyretics, and antimicrobials.
- Drugs were primarily sourced from retail outlets, with recommendations often coming from pharmacy professionals and social networks.
Conclusions:
- Self-medication is a prevalent practice in Ethiopia, exhibiting significant regional and population-based variations.
- Certain self-medication behaviors pose risks and require immediate intervention.
- Enhanced public and healthcare provider education is crucial regarding appropriate self-diagnosis, self-treatment, and drug selection.
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