Prevalence and Usage Pattern of Over-the-Counter Drugs Among Traders in Nnewi North Local Government Area

Emmanuel Ubammadu, Chukwunonso; Lovelyn Obi-Nwosu, Amaka; John Ozioma, Chigozie; Ifechukwude Chiejine, Gibson; Chukwuemeka Okafor, Henry; Vivian Aneke, Oluoma; Chukwunonso Nwude, Henry; Ifeoma Chukwu, Harrietta

doi:https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.345

Volume 11, Issue 4 (11-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(4): 345-353 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.345

Ethics code: NAUTH/CS/66/VOL.16/VER.3/187/2024/132

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Emmanuel Ubammadu C, Lovelyn Obi-Nwosu A, John Ozioma C, Ifechukwude Chiejine G, Chukwuemeka Okafor H, Vivian Aneke O, et al . Prevalence and Usage Pattern of Over-the-Counter Drugs Among Traders in Nnewi North Local Government Area. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (4) :345-353
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-430-en.html

Prevalence and Usage Pattern of Over-the-Counter Drugs Among Traders in Nnewi North Local Government Area

Chukwunonso Emmanuel Ubammadu ^*

, Amaka Lovelyn Obi-Nwosu

, Chigozie John Ozioma

, Gibson Ifechukwude Chiejine

, Henry Chukwuemeka Okafor

, Oluoma Vivian Aneke

, Henry Chukwunonso Nwude

, Harrietta Ifeoma Chukwu

Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State , ce.ubammadu@stu.unizik.edu.ng

Abstract: (74 Views)

Background & Aims: Over-the-counter drugs are commonly used for self-medication to prevent diseases and preserve health. However, inappropriate use poses significant health risks. Literature on over-the-counter drugs among traders is sparse. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and patterns of over-the-counter drug use among traders in Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Materials & Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The study participants (n = 280) were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. The structured questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool. The instrument was pretested and validated (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.756). Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including binary logistic regression, were used to determine factors associated with over-the-counter use.
Result: The overall prevalence of over-the-counter drug use was 88.9% (95% CI: 85.0%–93.0%). The most commonly used OVER-THE-COUNTER drugs were analgesics/antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen), antibiotics (amoxicillin, metronidazole), and antimalarials. Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant associations between over-the-counter drug use and sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status, education, or income (p > 0.05). The main reasons for self-medication were perceived ability to manage minor illnesses independently (98.3%) and the ease of accessing pharmacies (71.5%).
Conclusion: Over-the-counter drug use was highly prevalent among traders, mainly involving analgesics, antibiotics, and antimalarials. The findings reveal inappropriate self-medication practices driven by perceived ability to manage minor conditions and ease of drug accessibility. These results underscore the need for pharmacist counselling, public awareness, and improved regulation to promote responsible over-the-counter drug use.

Keywords: Marketing, Over-the-counter drugs, Prevalence, Self-medication

Full-Text [PDF 443 kb] (22 Downloads)

Type of Study: orginal article | Subject: General

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