Effect Of Self-Medication Among Student Nurses
This study was carried out to assess the effect of self medication among student nurses using College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State as a case study. The study specifically was aimed to explore the knowledge and practice of self medication among nursing students in College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State, identify the risk factors predisposing nursing students to self medication, and identify the nursing students’ knowledge of the consequences and negative effects associated with self medication. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprised of nursing students In College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 155 respondents and 141 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables. The result of the findings reveals that he identified risk factors predisposing nursing students to self-medication include: lack of access to healthcare services, perceived inefficiency of healthcare providers, preference for self-diagnosis and treatment, recommendations from friends or family, belief in the efficacy of over-the-counter medications, and convenience of self-medication over visiting a healthcare provider. The study also revealed the consequences of self-medication identified in the study, such as poor diagnosis, excessive dosage, incorrect route of administration, adverse drug reactions, and the masking of severe diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that The Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Health Service, in collaboration with WHO must embark on an educational program to educate the nursing students and the general public of the dangers of self-medicating with herbal drugs, especially since they are perceived by users as safe, even though they can actually have detrimental effects on the health. To mention but a few.
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Self-medication involves the use of medicinal products by the consumer to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurrent diseases or symptoms” (WHO, 2015 cited by Olorunfemi et al. 2020). Self-medication (SM) is common in both developed and developing countries, with prevalence rates ranging from 25.6 to 73.6%. It is also associated with a positive perception of the country’s healthcare system (Soroush, et al. 2017). When practiced effectively, SM could benefit both the individual and the healthcare system by potentially saving lives in emergency situations, minimizing long waiting times for proper MEDICAL practice assistance, and also lowering healthcare costs. Contradictorily, SM may increase risks such as unnecessary use of medication, extended duration of consumption, and drug–drug interactions.
Self-medication increases the risk of using illegal drugs, developing drug dependence, and masking the underlying medical conditions, all of which can compromise human safety, leading to drug resistance, and making diagnosis more challenging (Khatony et al. 2020). According to Godinho et al. (2022), the researchers, the use of over-the-counter medications is common and inappropriate among student nurses in universities around the world. SM has a greater impact on student nurses with a medical knowledge background as they have easy access to information from their curriculum and literature.
Easy availability of physician samples from pharmaceutical representatives and the white coat effect of being health science students ensure trouble-free access to drugs from pharmacies (Akande, 2021). Studies have shown that the practice of SM is influenced by multiple factors such as education, family, friends, and the rule and regulations of that particular country. Medical textbooks, articles, and social media marketing strategies of pharmaceuticals persuade participants to contemplate purchasing medications without prescription rather than seeking the advice of a healthcare professional. Previous research studies have shown that the causes of SM include minor illnesses, previous experience treating similar illnesses, financial concerns, and a scarcity of physicians (Ali, et al., 2016; Andrés et al. 2021; Bohomol et al. 2020). However, there is a dearth of studies that show the prevalence of SM among nursing students in Nigeria. Hence, the study was designed to assess the effect of self medication among student nurses in College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State, Delta State . Thus, creating awareness of the adverse effects of SM and its impact on the health of student nurses .
1.2 Statement of Problem
It was observed by the researcher during the period of her stay in College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State, Delta State that the practice of self medication is prevalent among nursing students. This is due to privileges of pharmacological knowledge and easy gain of the drugs making this action become more distinctive among them. The sentiments of using non-prescription medicines can also be due to the reasoning of prior experiences of oneself or a friend taking the very same medicines (Eda et al. 2023). It is also seen as economically convenient and time saving rather than waiting in line to seek for doctor.
1.3 Objectives of this Study
- To explore the knowledge and practice of self medication among nursing students in College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State.
- To identify the risk factors predisposing nursing students to self medication.
- To identify the consequences and negative effects associated with self medication among College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State.
1.4 Research Questions.
The following research questions will be answered in this study:
- What is the level of knowledge and practice of self-medication among students in the College Of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State, Delta State?
- What are the risk factors predisposing nursing students to self medication?
- What are the consequences and negative effects associated with self medication among student nurses?
Chapter One:
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Definition of TermsChapter Two:
Review of Literature
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical ReviewChapter Three:
Research Methodology
3.1 Design
3.2 Setting
3.3 Target population
3.4 Sampling
3.5 Sampling technique
3.6 Instrument For Data Collection
3.7 Validity of Instrument
3.8 Reliability of the Instrument
3.9 Method of data collection
3.10 Method of Data Analysis
3.11 Ethical ConsiderationChapter Four:
Data Presentation and Analysis
4.0 Data Presentation
4.1 Analysis of Data
4.2 Answering Research Questions
4.3 Test Of HypothesisChapter Five:
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Identify key findings
5.2 Implications of findings to nursing.
5.3 Limitations of the Study
5.4 Summary of the Study.
5.5 Conclusion
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Studies
References
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE
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The main body of the Effect Of Self-Medication Among Student Nurses should start with the Introduction, which provides background information, outlines the research problem, states your objectives, and gives a brief overview of your research methods. Following that, the Literature Review offers an in-depth look at previous research relevant to your project, identifying gaps your study aims to address. The Methodology section then explains the research design, tools, and data collection methods you used to conduct the project and analyze the data.
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