Self Medication with Over-the Counter Topical Ophthalmic Medications: A Study of Undergraduates in Ghana

Abstract

Aim of the current study is to determine the prevalence of self medication with over the counter topical ophthalmic medications among university students and the ocular symptoms for which self medication was practiced. This cross-sectional study included 469 undergraduate students of the university of Cape Coast, aged 18-34 years. Participants were randomly and systematically selected to complete questionnaires which elicited information on self medication with over the counter topical ophthalmic medication at most, three months prior to the study and ocular symptoms for which self medication was practiced. Information on participants’ age, gender, use of oral contraceptives (females only) and current history of alcohol consumption was also obtained. Out of 500 selected subjects 469 completed the questionnaires and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of self medication with over the counter topical ophthalmic medications was (25.2%; confidence interval [CI]:21.3%-29.0%). The prevalence of self medication was (32.7%; CI: 25.6%-40.4%) and (21.5% CI: 17.0%-26.0%) for females and males respectively. The difference in prevalence between females and males was statistically significant p=0.008. Itchy eye was the predominant symptom responsible for ocular self medication. Logistic regression analysis revealed: gender (OR 1.78 CI: 1.16 to 2.73, p=0.009) and oral contraceptive use (OR 4.15 CI: 1.32 to 13.10 p=0.015) were significantly associated with self medicating with topical ophthalmic preparations. A quarter of students probably practiced ocular self medication hence public education on the rational use of over-the-counter topical ophthalmic drugs is needed among undergraduates to improve outcomes. © 2015 iGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation. All rights reserved.