PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF OPHTHALMIC SELFMEDICATION AMONG ADULT OPHTHALMIC PATIENTS IN GONDAR CITY, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Worldwide, the prevalence of ophthalmic self-medication ranges from 23.3% to 76.3%. Self-medication is the act of procuring a drug for self-recognized diseases. Inappropriate use of ophthalmic self-medication has several disadvantages such as antimicrobial resistance and side effects that range from mild discomfort to vision loss. However, there was limited information regarding prevalence and associated factors of ophthalmic self-medication in the study area. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the proportion and associated factors of ophthalmic self-medication among adult ophthalmic patients in Gondar city. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 adults selected by multistage sampling technique in Gondar city from April 20 to May 7, 2017. Data was collected through a face to face interview using a pretested structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was fitted and variables which had P value of <0.05 in the multivariable model were considered as statistically significantly associated. Results: In this study, Three hundred twenty two (322) participants were involved giving a response rate of 96.6%. Of those, 51.6% were females. The median age of the participants was 40.00 years. The prevalence of ophthalmic self-medication was 30.4% (95% CI (30.35%-30.45%). At 95%confidence level, dissatisfaction on health services [AOR = 3.901 (1.922, 7.916)] lack of awareness of side effects [AOR 3.742 (1.944, 7.205)], lack of access of eye care services [AOR 4.503 (2.458, 8.250)] and easily accessibility of ophthalmic medications [AOR 4.075 (2.092, 7.937)] were significantly associated with ophthalmic self-medication. Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of ophthalmic self-medication was 30.4% and it was significantly associated with inaccessibility of services, lack of awareness of side effects of eye medications, dissatisfaction at available health services, and easy accessibility of ophthalmic medications. Awareness creation and health education was recommended to Gondar city administrative health office reduce the proportion and its potential risks. Key words: Ophthalmic self-medication, Adult, Ethiopia