SELF MEDICATION PRACTICES AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN GONDAR TOWN, NORTH WEST ETHIOPIA, 2018.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines by individuals or a member of the individual's family to treat self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Self medication practices are prevalent in Ethiopia and in different populations and regions of the country. Where as in Gondar Town, there were the previous studies 20 and 5 years old. Those studies didn’t represent current image. Therefore, this study is conducted to assess self medication practices and associated factors in Gondar town administrative, Northwest Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess self medication practices and associated factors in Gondar Town, 2018. Methods: community based cross sectional study was conducted in Gondar town from March, 2018 to April, 2018. Multi stage sampling was used to select study participants and 632 study participants were included in the study. Structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used for a data collection. The collected data was entered by using Epi info version 7.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Finally, descriptive statics was presented in the form of tables and graphs. Adjusted Odds Ratio Results: The prevalence of self-medication practice in Gondar town was 50.2%. Being married 0.393, 95%CI: 0.254, 0.61 Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of practice of self-medication was still high. Households who were married, visited health institution in the last one year, perceived cost of health service and, distance to the nearest health institution were significantly associated with self medication practice. There for improving perception of household on health service costs and expanding governmental health institution to the nearby their residence may reduce self medication practices Key words: Self medication practices, Factors, Gondar administrative, Ethiopia.