An integrative review of the prevalence, patterns and predictors of self-medication in Ghana

Cobbold, Justin; Morgan, Anthony Kwame

doi:10.1080/27707571.2022.2098567

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 45 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…A major shortfall of self-medication is the lack of clinical evaluation of the condition by a trained medical professional which could result in missed diagnosis and delay in appropriate treatment [ 32 ]. The activity of self-medication was high among the study participants, and this is consistent with other reports in Ghana [ 33 ]. In this study, the most self-medicated drugs were antimalarials and painkillers and the number one reason that accounted for this activity was previous experience with symptoms.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Alcohol intake, smoking, self-medication practices and burden of anaemia among traders in Tamale metropolis of Ghana

Anabire,

Billak,

Helegbe

2023

BMC Res Notes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective Lifestyle choices including physical inactivity, smoking, abuse of alcohol and drugs, unhealthy diet are common among traders and market women and these behavioural activities predispose individuals to ill-health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and chronic anaemia. We evaluated lifestyle choices such as alcohol intake, smoking and resorting to self-medication among traders in the Tamale Central market in Ghana. We then associated these lifestyle choices with anaemia. Results A total of 400 participants were recruited for this study. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels of participants were measured using Mission® Plus Hb meter and anaemia was diagnosed by Hb < 12 g/dl for non-pregnant females and Hb < 13 g/dl for males. Of the participants, a majority (69.3%) were males, and most of them (56.0%) were within 18–35 years age bracket. While alcohol intake and smoking were uncommon, self-medication was a common practice among the participants. Anaemia was a common condition; diagnosed in 44.5% of participants, but was independent of age, alcohol intake and smoking. However, anaemia was more common in females (χ2 = 15.9, p < 0.001) and was associated with self-medication (χ2 = 5.7, p = 0.017). We recommend that traders in the Tamale metropolis should seek routine health check-ups to help avert adverse health consequences associated with anaemia.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Alcohol intake, smoking, self-medication practices and burden of anaemia among traders in Tamale metropolis of Ghana

Anabire,

Billak,

Helegbe

2023

BMC Res Notes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The lack of support for a relationship between health‐seeking behavior through self‐medication and the preference for herbal medicine is not surprising, as reported by Cobbold and Morgan. 37 This is because health literacy shifts preference to a style of healthcare which is underpinned by tests, specializations, and principles of understanding the exact cause of a condition. This finding can further be explained by the relatively easy access students have to hospitals on and close to their campus.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This corresponds to the findings of Cobbold and Morgan. 37 The relationship means individuals who prefer to buy over‐the‐counter medications from pharmacies and use them without visiting hospitals may also opt to visit herbal medicine providers when needed. In Ghana herbal medicine is easily accessible with vendors publicizing the potency of their products for the most common conditions on university campuses and many streets in the city.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The relationship between health literacy and health‐seeking behavior amongst university students in Ghana: A cross‐sectional study

Akakpo,

Neuerer

2024

Health Science Reports

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background and AimsThe crises of the last decades have provided more evidence of the need for health literacy as a measure of resilience and preparedness. In this study the relationship between health literacy and health‐seeking behavior was investigated.MethodsThis study used a cross‐sectional design with a questionnaire of five sections dedicated to health‐seeking behavior, health literacy, family background, socioeconomic status and demographics. Health‐seeking behavior was used in three dimensions namely preference for hospitals, self‐medication, and herbal medicine. The questionnaire was completed by 262 students at the University of Ghana.ResultsA significant linear regression model (R = 0.39, R² = 0.15, Adjusted R² = 0.13, F = 8.89, p < 0.001) supported the relationship between health literacy and health‐seeking in health facilities such as hospitals. A Pearson correlation further showed an association between self‐medication and preference for herbal medication.ConclusionFindings support the crucial role of health literacy in timely hospital visits by patients. This implies the need to improve health literacy through education, policy, and research. This can promote prevention of diseases through timely health‐seeking and improve preparedness against health crises. The study suggests health literacy should be integrated into educational curricula and regular health campaigns run by public health agencies.

show abstract

“…This finding aligns with those from another study conducted in Ghana. [22]. People self-medicate in Ghana because of the lower costs of drugs in open markets, pharmacies, and chemical shops.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Self-Medication among Health Professionals at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana

2023

Ann Case Report

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

An integrative review of the prevalence, patterns and predictors of self-medication in Ghana

Cited by 6 publications

References 45 publications

Alcohol intake, smoking, self-medication practices and burden of anaemia among traders in Tamale metropolis of Ghana

Alcohol intake, smoking, self-medication practices and burden of anaemia among traders in Tamale metropolis of Ghana

The relationship between health literacy and health‐seeking behavior amongst university students in Ghana: A cross‐sectional study

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Self-Medication among Health Professionals at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About