Self-medication practices in Ethiopia: An umbrella review protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pharmacology
• Systematic Review Methodology

Background:

• Self-medication, the use of drugs without professional guidance, poses significant health and economic risks.
• It is a prevalent issue with potential to exacerbate public health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing evidence on self-medication practices among adults in Ethiopia.
• To identify patterns and factors associated with self-medication to inform targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• An umbrella review methodology was employed, focusing on systematic reviews.
• Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
• Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by two independent reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal checklist.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize data on self-medication practices across various Ethiopian populations.
• Extracted data will include study characteristics, patient demographics, and reported self-medication behaviors.
• Quality of included systematic reviews will be assessed to ensure reliability of findings.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized evidence aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of self-medication in Ethiopia.
• Findings will guide the development of interventions to mitigate risks, particularly concerning antimicrobial resistance.
• The review underscores the need for governmental and non-governmental action in resource-limited settings.