PATTERNS OF SELF-MEDICATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADULT PATIENTS VISITING PRIMARY CARE FACILITIES

Background: Self-medication, defined as the use of medications without professional medical supervision, is a widespread public health practice influenced by factors such as medication accessibility, healthcare costs, and personal health beliefs. Understanding its patterns and determinants among adult primary care attendees is crucial for identifying risks and informing interventions to promote safe medication use. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adult patients attending primary care facilities. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Systematic sampling was employed, and data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential tests (chi-square and logistic regression) to examine associations between self-medication practices and sociodemographic, health-related, and behavioral factors. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 67.0%. Analgesics (78.4%) and antipyretics (67.2%) were the most commonly used medications, followed by antibiotics (41.0%). Key reasons for self-medication included perceived mild illness (74.6%), easy access to medications (69.0%), and saving time (57.8%). Pharmacists (65.3%) and previous prescriptions (59.7%) were the primary sources of information. Self-medication was significantly associated with higher education, employment status, and the presence of chronic illness. Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among adult primary care patients and is driven by convenience, accessibility, and prior healthcare experiences. The notable use of antibiotics without prescription raises concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance. These findings underscore the need for enhanced patient education, strengthened pharmacist counseling, and integrated primary care strategies to ensure safer self-medication practices.