A campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of self-medication among students of Makerere University

Abstract

This report highlights both the awareness levels on the dangers of self-medication amongst Makerere University students, both male and female, and the self-medication practices among the students. A review of the existing literature suggests that students are very much likely to self-medicate in case an illness arises. Key findings include: • Majority of the female students self-medicate more than the males do • Some of the students are aware of the dangers of self-medication but still continue to self-medicate because it is more convenient and less costly • Majority of the Makerere University students self-medicate without proper diagnosis from a professional medical personnel • Some of the students refer to the internet to obtain knowledge about drugs for their illnesses while others consult their friends/peers. The information provided in this report was collected from 70 students. According to The World Health Organization (2010), self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medicines chosen by the patient for the treatment of an illness or the treatment of symptoms that the patient has perceived himself. It is further described by WHO that: “Self-medication includes several forms through which the individual him/herself or the ones responsible for him/her decide, without medical evaluation, which drug they will use and in which way for the symptomatic relief and "cure" of a condition. The study was conducted to primarily raise awareness about the dangers of self-medication amongst the students of Makerere University. This was after determining the prevalence rate of self-medication among the Makerere University students. The report mainly examines what factors foster the prevalence of self-medication among Makerere University students, highlighting the dangers of this practice.