en عمومى General پژوهشي orginal article <span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height:1;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><b>Background & Aims:</b> 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.<br> <b>Materials & Methods:</b> 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&rsquo;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.<br> <b>Result:</b><b> </b>The overall prevalence of over-the-counter drug use was 88.9% (95% CI: 85.0%&ndash;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%).<br> <b>Conclusion</b>: 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.</span></span></span> Marketing, Over-the-counter drugs, Prevalence, Self-medication 345 353 http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-480-3&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Chukwunonso Emmanuel Ubammadu ce.ubammadu@stu.unizik.edu.ng 10031947532846005568 10031947532846005568 Yes Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State Amaka Lovelyn Obi-Nwosu nwosu@unizik.edu.ng 10031947532846005569 0009-0003-0601-661X No Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State Chigozie John Ozioma chigozieozioma4@gmail.com 10031947532846005570 10031947532846005570 No Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State Gibson Ifechukwude Chiejine drgib2002@gmail.com 10031947532846005571 10031947532846005571 No Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State Henry Chukwuemeka Okafor henryokafor2010@yahoo.com 10031947532846005572 10031947532846005572 No Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State Oluoma Vivian Aneke ov.aneke@stu.unizik.edu.ng 10031947532846005573 0009-0000-0503-8516 No Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State Henry Chukwunonso Nwude nwudehenrini@gmail.com 10031947532846005574 10031947532846005574 No Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State Harrietta Ifeoma Chukwu chukwuifeomaharrietta95@gmail.com 10031947532846005575 0009-0004-3991-6267 No Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State