Factors Influencing Self-Medication Behavior Among Adults in the Ashaiman Municipal District, Greater Accra, Ghana

Self-medication is defined as a human behavior, in which an individual uses a substance or any exogenous influence to self-administer treatment for physical or psychological ailments. Self-medication is a prevalent behavior among adults in the Ashaiman Municipal District, Ghana. This cross-sectional study, conducted from September 28 to October 10, 2020, aimed to identify the factors influencing self-medication practices among adults in this community. Data were collected from 161 participants through structured and interviewer-administered questionnaires. The study found that 66.5% of participants used analgesics, 28.6% used antibiotics, and 32.9% used antimalarials for self-medication. The primary reasons for self-medication included perceived mildness of the condition (38.8%), time-saving (36.3%), and cost-effectiveness (22.5%). While the majority of respondents (88.1%) were aware of the risks associated with self-medication, such as incorrect dosage and drug dependency, the practice remains widespread. The findings highlight the need for public health education and stronger regulation of over-the-counter medication sales to mitigate the potential dangers of self-medication.