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Self-Medication Practices in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Chibuzor G Muoka1,2,3, Nnedimma V Akparanta2,4, Favour A Taribo2
1Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Background:
Self-medication is a common health-seeking practice in Nigeria and is associated with inappropriate medicine use, adverse drug reactions, and antimicrobial resistance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of self-medication in Nigeria and synthesize evidence on its patterns, determinants, and consequences.
Methodology:
A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online (AJOL) was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and June 2025. Eligible studies reported self-medication practices among Nigerian populations. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines, and methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Random-effects meta-analysis using a generalized linear mixed model was performed to estimate pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A prediction interval was computed to estimate the expected range of true prevalence in future similar studies. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251130710).
Results:
Ninety-one studies involving 37,359 participants were included, with 86 contributing to the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of self-medication was 67.8% (95% CI: 63.0%-71.0%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 98.4%). Prevalence was highest among occupational groups (78.1%) and in workplace settings (81.3%). Antibiotics were the most commonly self-medicated drugs, followed by analgesics and antimalarials. Major drivers included perceived minor illness, previous treatment experience, time constraints, financial barriers, and easy access to medicines. One qualitative study was narratively synthesised but excluded from the quantitative meta-analysis.
Conclusion:
Self-medication is highly prevalent in Nigeria, with widespread non-prescription antibiotic use contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Strengthening medicine regulation, improving healthcare access, expanding health insurance coverage, enhancing public education, and implementing antimicrobial stewardship programmes are essential to curb inappropriate self-medication and its consequences.