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Ojabo
CO
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Assessment of the Practice of Ocular Self-Medication among Staff of College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria |
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*1Cecilia Omaile Ojabo and 2Michael Enokela Efu |
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1Department
of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State
University, Makurdi, Nigeria. Accepted February 03, 2020 |
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Abstract |
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Ocular
self-medication practices among academic and non-academic staff
of the College of Health Sciences, Benue State University and
factors that led to ocular self-medication were accessed. A
population based survey involving 146 respondents was conducted.
Respondents were interviewed with the aid of a structured
questionnaire composed of closed and open ended questions to
collect data on demographics and ocular symptoms and
self-medication practices. Descriptive statistical analysis was
performed on the data to generate frequency distribution and
percentages. Prevalence of ocular self-medication was 73.96%
with painful red eye (40%) being the most common indication for
which self-medication was practiced. Among the various drugs
used, antibiotic was the commonest eye medication in 81(75%)
respondents followed by steroids 17(15.74%). Main factors
influencing self-medication were experience from previous ocular
episode, the perception that the symptoms were a minor/simple
disorder and warranted no expert care, advice from
friends/relatives and long waiting time to access health care.
Local patent medicine stores were the main source of drug for
ocular self-medication. It is concluded that the practice of
ocular self-medication is common among the population
interviewed. Adequate health education of the public on the
dangers of self diagnosis and treatment, possibly leading to the
problem of drug resistance when appropriate indication of the
medication is needed should be emphasised. |
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