KNOWLEDGE ON THE DANGERS OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG CLIENTS OF V AND S PHARMACY, KIREKA, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Medications represent an important remedy for most illnesses and improve the quality of life of patients. The study aims to assess the Knowledge of the dangers of self-medication among clients of v and S Pharmacy, Kireka, Wakiso district.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study comprised of all patients who were seeking medication from V and S pharmacy. in Kireka during the period of data collection. Results were manually analyzed and entered into the Microsoft Excel program and were then presented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results

16 (15.0%) of the participants had attained a secondary level of education, 15 (37.5%) tertiary level of education, 6 (7.5%) primary level and 3 (40.0%) were completely illiterate. The majority 31 (77.5%) were aware that self-medication wasn’t safe, and 9 (22.5%) considered it to be safe for themselves. 38 (95.0%) would seek the assistance of a health worker if self-medication failed, 2 (5.0%) would seek the assistance of a friend and 0 (0%) would change to another treatment by themselves. The majority 37 (92.5%) agreed with the fact that it is bad to take medicine overdose due to ignorance during self-medication, then 3 (7.5%) disagreed with it. The majority 32 (80.0%) agreed with the fact that it was important to complete the course of a drug even when one felt better whereas 8 (20.0%) disagreed with it.

Conclusion

The levels of knowledge about the dangers of self-medication among clients of V and S pharmacy in Kireka was high based on participant awareness that one needed to seek medical advice with failed treatment, drug overdose being dangerous

Recommendation

The government of Uganda through its Ministry of Health should continue sensitizing community members through various mass media about the dangers of self-medication.