THE PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION AMONG MEDICAL PERSONNEL IN JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KISUMU, KENYA.

Abstract

Background: Self-medication encompasses obtaining and consuming drugs without the advice of a physician. Self-medication is a global problem with prevalence between 11.6 % and 93.7% depending on target population and country, with a higher prevalence in the developing countries compared to the developed countries. Recent research highlights the practice among medical personnel and students whenever they experience any symptoms or illnesses resulting in various effects such as resultant inability to treat underlying diseases causing the various symptoms. Aim: This study aimed to examine the frequency and the number cases of self-medication, the rea son behind it, type of medication used and the possible adverse effects associated with it among medical personnel and students in Jaramogi Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: The study applied a cross-sectional study design. The target population included qualified medical officers, clinicians, nurses, consultants and even medical students at JOOTRH. The research used quantitative approach, utilizing questionnaires to collect data from a sample population of medical students. The sample size of the study was 60 medical personnel and students, who were selected through random sampling. Data management and analysis: The data collected was quantitative data. Was reviewed to identify any errors or omissions before being put into the STATA software for analysis. Categorical data represented using frequency distributions, percentages was tabulated. Proportions amongst different categories graphically expressed as pie charts.

Results: A total of 36(60.0%) male and 24(40.0%) female participated in the study. The prevalence of self-medication among medical personnel and students in JOOTRH was 80%. According to this study the commonest reasons for self-medication was high doctor fees (25%) and having old prescription (21.43%). The commonest source of drugs for self-medication in our study was from pharmacy shops 71.43%. In this study, a significant percentage (28.57%) of respondents who had practiced self- medication experienced adverse effects and this can be highly attributed to the fact that most respondents had no insurance cover (39.29%), as well as lack of understanding of prescribing information. (8.33%)

Conclusion: The prevalence of SMA among medical personnel and students in JOOTRH is at 80%. It is more among those between the personnel in age above 25 and for the students right from their 5th year of study. Among the top reasons given for self-medication is the high consultation fees and possession of an old prescription for the same illness. Recommendations: The study therefore recommends that health education interventions on self-medication practices should target people of all ages, sex, education and community at large.