DETERMINATION OF INDIVIDUAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED MISUSE OF ANALGESICS AMONG ADULTS IN KIYUNGA HC IV, KIYUNGA TOWN COUNCIL, LUUKA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

The misuse of analgesics is a rising public health concern, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Various individual factors play a role. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective interventions. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the individual factors contributing to increased misuse of analgesics among adults in Kiyunga HC IV, Kiyunga town council, Luuka district.

 Methodology

The study used a cross-sectional study with a simple random technique as a sampling technique on a sample of 50 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires with semi-structured and open-ended questions written in English language, data was analyzed manually, and presented in a Microsoft computer program to generate figures and tables.

 Results

The findings from individual factors contributing to increased misuse of analgesics among adults showed that 52% of the respondents had heard of the misuse before, 46.2% heard about the misuse from media with 69.2% of this misuse being self-medication. Of the respondents, 30% had misused analgesics and 80% misused them for pain relief. However, 70% had not misused analgesics before with 60% claiming they were aware of the danger.

 Conclusion

The study revealed significant awareness of analgesic misuse among respondents. Many had heard about it, mainly from media sources. Most recognized self-medication as a common misuse method and identified pain relief as the primary motive. There was also substantial awareness of the dangers associated with misuse, indicating a good level of knowledge.

 Recommendation

People need to seek advice from doctors for better diagnosis and therapy when it comes to prescriptions. This will help reduce the drug resistance and the side effects of the analgesics among some people that may come from misuse.