The study examines the relationship between self-medication and
patronage of orthodox medical facilities in Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross
River State, Nigeria. Three research objectives were drawn which guided the
formulation of three null hypotheses from the independent variable. In spite of
efforts put in by individuals, organizations and governments to curb the menace
of self-medication, the practice is still on the increase. This is partly due
to the absence of stringent government legislation and enforcement against
over-the-counter drugs purchase and sales. The study adopted a descriptive
survey design. A 17-item questionnaire entitled “Self-medication and Patronage
of Orthodox Medical Facilities (SMPOMF)” were distributed to four hundred and forty-eight
(448) respondents selected through simple random sampling techniques from the
study area. In addition, key informants (KII) were used as data collection
instruments. The reliability test of the instrument was conducted using the
Cronbach reliability method. Data were gathered through primary and secondary
sources and were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient
and One-way ANOVA statistical techniques. The three hypotheses, tested at 0.5
level of significance, revealed that there is a significant relationship
between belief system, level of awareness (p=.337), proximity to the medical
facility and self-medication in Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River
State, Nigeria (p=.325). This confirms that there is a significant relationship
between self-medication and patronage of orthodox medical facilities in the
study area. Relative to the phenomenon of self-medication ……. (No theory is
first discussed, before criticism leveled against this theory), in seeking help
the individual may take the wrong action by going to the chemist or patent
vendor, for over-the-counter drugs, instead of going to qualified medical
practitioners for examination, tests, diagnosis and treatments.
The study recommends among other things, that, traditional medical
practice should be integrated into the primary healthcare system to grant it a
formal status in the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria. In addition, the
safety and regulation of traditional medicine should be assessed to improve its
standard and efficacy. In addition, the government ought to construct more
healthcare facilities in the research region to entice residents to use them in
the event of a medical emergency rather than turning to conventional medicine
and, typically, ineffectual self-medication.
Author(s)
Details
Eteng
Ikpi Etobe
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of
Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Utibe E. I. Etobe
Medical Social Services Department, University of Calabar Teaching
Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
Joshua
Iniama
Department of Social Work, University of Calabar, Calabar,
Nigeria.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v3/1498
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