Abstract
Background: Self-medication refers to the use of medicinal products by the consumers to treat selfrecognized
disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of medication is not prescribed
by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms. Globally, the prevalence of selfmedication
is estimated to be around 27 – 99.4% according to different studies.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess self-medication practice and associated
factors among adult household members of Gubre town from April 28 to June 27, 2022. Data collection
from 399 households was conducted by means of a systematic random sampling technique using a
pre-tested questionnaire.
Result: Among 398 respondents, 113 (28.4%) of them were found to practice self-medication. Two
hundred and forty-three (61.05%) participants reported to have fallen sick in the 2 weeks before
the survey. Being married (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.599, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09
– 2.621), being literate (AOR = 1.672, 95% CI: 1.032 – 2.01), perceiving self-medication as an
acceptable practice (AOR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.32 – 1.887), peer influence (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.304
– 2.321), and access to medical information (AOR = 1.452, 95% CI: 1.263 – 1.570) were significantly
associated with self-medication practice.
Conclusion: Nearly a quarter of the study participants practice self-medication. Being married, being
literate, perceiving self-medication as an acceptable practice, peer influence, and access to medical
information were significantly associated with self-medication practice.
Relevance for Patients: Tailored interventions designed by policymakers, program designer, and
implementers should aim to reduce or eliminate non-prescribed drug use among the community
through the education on the impact of self-medication on individual health.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36922/jctr.00098
Author affiliation
1. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
2. Department of Public Health, College of
Medicine and Health Science, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia 3. Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolkite
University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author:
Tadesse Sahle Adeba
Wolkite University Department of Nursing,
College of Medicine and Health Science,
Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
Email: tadessesahle528@gmail.com
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