Investigating Self-Medication among Youth in Northern Ghana: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Predictive Factors
Esther Owusu-Takyi
University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.
Francis K. Larle
Nursing and Midwifery Training College Sampa, P.O. Box 60, Bono Region, Ghana.
Rachael Nyarko *
SDA NMTC, Kwadaso, Box PC96, Kumasi, Ghana.
Habib Mahama
Ghana Health Service, Kassena Nankana Municipal Health Directorate, P.O. Box 8, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana.
Faustina E. Akpablie
Nurses Training College, Ho Kumasi, Ghana.
Mary P. Dwomoh
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Tanoso-Ahafo, P.O. Box 2066, Tanoso-Ahafo Region, Ghana.
Silas Y. Ndianwu
Parambo Health Centre, P.O. Box 116, Yeji, Ghana.
Mariam G. Seidu
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kpembe. P.O. Box sL98, Salaga Savannah Region, Ghana.
Clement N. Zuuri
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Tanoso-Ahafo, P.O. Box 2066, Tanoso-Ahafo Region, Ghana.
Mohammed M. Ibrahim
Nurses and Midwives Training College, P.O. Box 565, Tamale, Ghana.
Mumuni Alaru
Technical University College, Ghana-Tamale, Post Office Box TL 2159, Tamale, Ghana.
Moses P.T. Ofoe
St. Michael Catholic Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Box 29, Jachie-Pramso, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
Ali Mavis
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Tanoso-Ahafo, P.O. Box 2066, Tanoso-Ahafo Region, Ghana.
Rabiatu Toure
Kintampo Municipal Hospital, Post Office Box 192, Kintampo, Ghana.
Mohammed A. Kojo
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu Kintampo, Ghana.
David Adugbire
Navorango Community Nursing Training School, P.O. Box 185, Navorango Upper East Region, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Self-medication is a growing global public health concern, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), treatment failure, and increased healthcare costs. Despite the vulnerability of young people to self-medication, there is limited research focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the predictors of this behavior in Northern Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 youth aged 15–24 years in the Northern Region of Ghana. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of self-medication. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 59.7%. Painkillers (75%)and herbal remedies (41.7%) were the most commonly used medicines. Although 79.6% recognized the link between frequent self-medication and antimicrobial resistance, only 41.7% reported always completing their medication course. Logistic regression analysis identified several significant predictors of self-medication. Youth aged 20–24 years had higher odds compared to those aged 15–19 years (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.08–2.16). Females were less likely than males to self-medicate (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50–0.93). Respondents with tertiary education had lower odds compared to those with no formal education (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.94). Urban residents were more likely to self-medicate than rural residents (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.13–2.22). Informal workers had increased likelihood compared to students (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.02–2.94), and those without income were more likely to self-medicate compared to those earning at least GHS 200 (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.09–2.41). Higher knowledge scores were protective: moderate knowledge (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.38–0.87) and good knowledge (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.65) significantly reduced the odds of self-medication.
Conclusion: Self-medication is common among youth in Northern Ghana, driven by socio-demographic and economic factors despite high awareness of its risks, and addressing it will require stronger prescription regulation, improved youth-friendly health services, and enhanced education on rational drug use to reduce unsafe practices and mitigate the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Keywords: Self-medication, youth, antimicrobial resistance, predictors, knowledge, attitude, practice