Self-Medication for Oral Health Problems among Dental Outpatients at a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is the inappropriate use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms. Even though Self-medication has benefits as it enhances better use of clinical skills and increases access to medication; it is also associated with risks such as adverse drug reactions and antibiotics resistance. Objectives: To determine prevalence of self-medication practices among dental outpatients , triggering factors that influence self-medication practice and common source of drugs. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinic of the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a period of 6 months using self-administered questionnaires adapted from previous studies. Data obtained was analysed and expressed as frequencies and percentages. Test of associations was done using chi-square (p < 0.05). Results: Age of respondents ranged from 16 to 78 years (32.24 ± 13.47). M:F was 1:1. Prevalence of self-medication was 45.5%; toothache was the most prevalent reason for self-medication (71%). The frequently used drugs for self-medication were analgesics (65%) while the most common source for the drugs was the pharmacy (60%). Educational status (X 2 = 12.85, P < 0.05), gender (X 2 = 6.42, P < 0.05) and likelihood of recommending drugs to family and friends (X 2 = 10.38, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with self-medication. Conclusion: This study revealed high prevalence of self-medication with toothache as the predominant trigger and pharmacy, the most common source.

Self-Medication for Oral Health Problems in COVID-19 Outbreak: Prevalence and Associated Factors

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