KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH EFFECTS AND PRACTICE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG STUDENTS OF PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY ANYIGBA, KOGI STATE

Abstract

Self-medication is an ancient trend in the health sector, the practice is as old as mankind.Self-medication can produce a series of health risks that in many cases may result in toxicity, side effects, adverse reactions, and in some cases intoxication or lack of effectiveness because they are used in situations where they are not indicated. The study investigated knowledge of health effects and practice of self-medication among students of Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area Kogi State. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. 200 students were sampled for the study using simple random sampling techniques. Structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using mean. Frequency counts and standard deviation. The findings of the study showed that most of the respondents have good knowledge of self-medication and that self-medication is widely practiced among undergraduates of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria despite their knowledge of its side effects. Based on the findings of the study, it was therefore recommended that the school authority needs to enhance the level of knowledge on the health consequences of self-medication through seminar and health talk.