The level of self-medication with antimalarial drugs among residents of Kituuza village, Mukono district. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

Self-medication with anti-malarial drugs is a common practice among many people across the world. This contributes to escalating health risks, including antimalarial resistance and adverse drug reactions. This study aimed at assessing the level of self-medication with anti-malarial drugs among residents of Kituuza Village, Mukono District.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional design to determine the prevalence of self-medication with antimalarial drugs. A sample of 80 comprising residents of Kituuza village, Ssaayi parish, Ntenjeru Sub County, and Mukono district was obtained through a systematic sampling technique, and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was then analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in the form of tables and figures.

Results:

Out of 80 participants, the most, 35(45.75%) were aged (35-44) years, 50(62.5%) were female, 50(62.5%) had secondary education, 45(56.25%) earned between 50000- 100000 Ugandan shillings, while 35(43.75%) were single. The results show that self medication was high, 63%, with higher rates among females (62.5%) and majority of the respondents who practiced self medication had attained secondary education (62.5%) and therefore knew about different antimalarial drugs that they use for self medication such as quinine, Artemether and Lumefantrine and the suspected places where these drugs were obtained, were pharmacies, 31.25%, and community drug shops. Respondents self-medicated with antimalarial drugs to alleviate fever, headache, and cold.

Conclusion:

The level of self-medication with anti-malarial drugs was relatively high, especially among females. Community drug shops play a significant role in the provision of self-medicated anti-malarial drugs.

Recommendation:

 People should visit the health facilities for examination whenever they are sick, and the health worker should make sure that antimalarial drugs are always available at the health facility for the population to access them easily.