Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Self-Medication among Health Professionals at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Irrational use of medication can put the lives of the people who engage in self-medication and those around them in danger. Among health professionals, it can also put their patients and the community in danger. Self-medication is a health concern in many developing countries including Ghana.

Study objective: This study examined the prevalence of and factors associated with self-medication among health professionals at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect quantitative data at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. Using proportionate sampling, 346 respondents were selected to take an online survey using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using frequencies, chi-squared tests, and multiple logistic regression with Jamovi version 2.2.5.

Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 81% among participants. The odds of self-medicating were higher for participants with mild, moderate, or severe perceived health needs compared to their colleagues with good health (OR = 12.07, 95% CI, 4.789 – 30.42; OR = 5.38, 95% CI, 2.372 – 12.22; OR = 2.86, 95% CI, 1.062 – 7.71, respectively). Educational level, job categorization, income, and health insurance status were not significantly associated with self-medication among participants.

Conclusion: Self-medication is commonly practiced among hospital staff. Drugs sold over the counter in pharmacies and other retail drug outlets must be regulated to reduce access to medication without a prescription. Further studies should be conducted to identify system gaps, such as policies that enable self-medication in Ghana.