Self-medication with ophthalmic drugs and its associated factors among ophthalmic patients attending three hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and practice of self-medication and its associated factors among ophthalmic patients.DesignAn analytical cross-sectional study design was employed.SettingThree hospitals inAsmara, Eritrea.ParticipantsSamples of ophthalmic outpatients aged >18 years who visited the three hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants.Data collection and analysisData were collected from September 2021 to October 2021 in a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were double entered and analysed using CSPro (V.7.2) and SPSS (V.26), respectively. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed. P values less than 0.05 were considered as significant.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMain outcome variable was practice of self-medication with ophthalmic drugs (SMOD). Secondary outcome measure was the determinants of self-medication practice.ResultsA total of 351 participants were recruited with a response rate of 97.7%. The prevalence of SMOD was found to be 14.9% (95% CI (11.1% to 18.7%)). The most frequently preferred ophthalmic drug groups were antibiotics (63.6%), followed by corticosteroids (22.7%). The main reasons for SMOD were easy accessibility (52.9%) and previous familiarity of the eye medication (27.5%). Eye redness (n=19/51) and foreign body sensation (n=18/51) were the most self-recognised complaints that required self-medication. The most common source of information for SMOD was pharmacy professionals (41.1%). Only attitude score (Crude odds ratio (COR)= 1.25, 95% CI 1.12, 1.39) was significantly associated with the practice of SMOD at bivariate logistic regression.ConclusionThough the majority of respondents considered self-medication with ophthalmic drugs as inappropriate, a significant number of them practising it. This mandates relevant bodies to take stricter measures to protect the public from the misuse of eye medications.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Self-Medicating Eye Symptoms in Jazan Region

“…A significant proportion of respondents acknowledged engaging in the use of ophthalmic medication without obtaining a prescription, suggesting a notable prevalence of self-administration for the management of ocular symptoms. The present study's findings align with other research that has documented elevated levels of self-medication for ocular ailments [14][15][16]. The current study reveals a notable prevalence of self-medication with ocular drugs without a prescription, amounting to 97.6%.…”

“…The results of this study suggested that individuals may engage in self-treatment as a result of symptom recurrence or the belief that the disease does not necessitate professional care. Previous research has identified similar rationales when investigating the phenomenon of self-medication [12,14,23,24]. It is imperative to acknowledge and rectify these misconceptions while raising awareness about the potential hazards and constraints associated with self-medication in order to foster appropriate utilization of ophthalmic drugs.…”

Ophthalmic Self-Medication Practices and Associated Factors of Using Steroid Eye Drops Among Adult Ophthalmic Patients

“…The majority (58, 65.2%), had no complications. A study was done in the Netherlands, of 88 patients (41 men and 47 women), one had transient ocular hypertension, one had optic disc cupping without any glaucomatous defects in his visual field, and seven were given the diagnosis of cataracts [ 6 ]. More attention should be offered to the education of people about the serious health complication that can occur from this uncareful use.…”

“…Inappropriate self-medication results in the irrational use of drugs, wastage of resources, and increased resistance to pathogens, which entails serious health hazards, such as adverse reactions and prolonged suffering [ 5 ]. This behavior includes buying medicines without a prescription, using leftover doses from previous prescriptions, sharing medicines with other family members or social groups, or misusing the medical prescription either by prolonging, interrupting, or modifying the dosage and the administration period [ 6 ]. When patients do not instill eye drops correctly, their clinical outcomes can be negatively affected [ 7 ].…”