CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of study
Self-medication, the practice of treating oneself with medications without consulting a healthcare
professional, has become a widespread phenomenon globally (World Health Organization, 2019). This
trend is particularly alarming among adolescents, including secondary school students, who may be
more susceptible to misinformation and reckless behavior.
In Nigeria, self-medication is a common practice, with studies indicating that up to 70% of the
population engages in self-medication (Osemene & Lamikanra, 2012). According to Drug Safety (2001)
drugs is any chemical you take that affects the way your body works. Alcohol, caffeine, aspirin and
nicotine are all drugs. A drug must be able to pass from your body into your brain. Once inside your
brain, drugs can change the messages your brain cells are sending to teach other, and to the rest of your
body. They do this by interfering with your brain’s own chemical signals: neurotransmitter that transfer
signals across synapses. Drugs are used to prevent, maintain, alleviate, diagnose illness and/or cure
illness. Drugs come in various forms such as tablets, caplets, capsules, creams, ointments, injectable,
lozenges, inhalations, and so on. Drugs may be swallowed, injected, applied to the skin, inhaled or
inserted (Drug Safety 2001). In recent times, self-medication has become integral part of living. Hence
World Self-Medication Industry WSMI (2015) defined self-medication as the treatment of common
health problems with medicines especially designed and labelled for use without medical supervision
and approved as safe and effective for such use.
Stated that self medication drugs are usually called over the counter drugs or non prescription drugs
and are usually taken without the doctor's prescription.In some countries,over the counter drugs are
also available in supermarket and outlets.Self medication requires acquiring drugs without prescription,
resubmitting old prescription to aquire medical,sharing drugs with relatives or using left over medicine
at home.(Kumar and kachan 2013). World health organization experts committee on National drug
policy states that"self medication is practiced widely in both developing and developed countries"
Inspire if the inherent dangers attributed to improper and indiscriminate utilizations of drugs,it's
practice remains the commonest aspect of self carein developing countries especially Nigeria In the
world today,it's estimated that 70%-90% of illnesses are managed without recourse to a physician
(Amore,Bamboye and Yusuf 2006).This present study was therefore undertaken to ascertain the level of
awareness and danger associated with self medication
Statement of problem
Self-medication among secondary school students has become a growing concern in Nigeria, with
potential risks and consequences that can have long-lasting effects on their health and well-being.
Despite the dangers associated with self-medication, many students in Nnewi, Anambra State, engage in
this practice due to lack of awareness, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services.This study
aims to investigate the knowledge of risk factors and consequences of self-medication among secondary
school students in Nnewi, Anambra State, to identify gaps in their knowledge and understanding, and to
provide recommendations for health education and intervention strategies.It has been observed that
students who are involved in self-medication may eventually progress into drug abuse and consequently
depend on such drugs. Hence secret society, violent crimes, mental and psychologically problems
plaguing students in some Nigeria communities could possibly be associated with drug use or abuse. In
view of the established physical and psychological problems associated with self-medication. It becomes
justifiable to investigate the knowledge of selfmedication among secondary school students in Nnewi...
Purpose of study
The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of dangers of self-medication among
secondary school students in Nnewi L.G.A. Specifically, the objectives of the study investigated the
knowledge of the:
1. meaning of self-medication among secondary school students in Obowo LGA.
2. dangers of self-medication among secondary school students in Obowo LGA.
3. concept of self-medication according to gender of students in Obowo secondary schools.
4. dangers of self-medication among secondary school students in Obowo LGA according to gender.
Research questions
Based on the specific objectives, the following research questions were formulated:
1. What is the knowledge of self-medication among secondary school students in Obowo LGA?
2. What is the knowledge of dangers of self-medication among secondary school students in Obowo
LGA?
3. What is the knowledge of self-medication possessed by students in Obowo secondary school
according to gender?
4. What is the knowledge of dangers of self-medication among secondary school students in Obowo LGA
according to gender?
Scope of study.
This study is limited to determine the level of awareness and perception of dangers associated with self
medication practice among secondary school students of Nnwei......
Significance of study
Here's a potential significance of the study
This study on the knowledge of risk factors and consequences of self-medication among secondary
school students in Nnewi, Anambra State, is significant for the following reasons:
By understanding the knowledge gaps and misconceptions about self-medication, this study can inform
the development of targeted health education programs to improve health outcomes among secondary
school students leading to improved health outcome
: The study's findings can help reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and other complications
associated with self-medication among secondary school student s if Nnewi town.This study can also
contribute to enhancing health literacy among secondary school students, empowering them to make
informed decisions about their health.
This study is significant in such a way that itcan inform policy decisions and guidelines for healthcare
providers, educators, and policymakers to address the issue of self-medication among adolescents.
*: The study's findings can be used to develop effective intervention strategies to prevent and manage
self-medication practices among secondary school studentsand also by highlighting the risks and
consequences of self-medication, this study promotes safe medication practices and encourages
students to seek medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals.
Operation definition of terms
Self-medication:act of taking drugs without physicians supervison or instructions.
Danger :the adverse reaction from taking a drug
Perception:the point of view or attitude towards intake of unauthorized intake of drugs.
