Prevalence and pattern of misuse of over-the-counter drugs among teachers in public and private secondary schools in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: Misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can result in several harms ranging from mild to very severe conditions. The study assessed the prevalence and pattern of misuse of OTC medicines among secondary school teachers, for improved safety measures.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, using a multistage sampling technique. A self-administered, structured, researcher-developed questionnaire on OTC medicine use was used for data collection after face validity and pre-test. OTC medicines misuse was assessed with reference to the recommended dose, among 300 respondents. Analysis of data was done using IBM SPSS version 21.0.  P ≤ 0.05

Results: A total of 300 respondents participated in the study and the majority were 25-40 years of age, 120 (40.0%). Females constituted 186 (62.0%) of the population. Vitamin supplements were predominantly misused 110 (36.7%) at varying degrees, followed by Analgesics 104 (34.7%), Cough mixtures 41 (13.7%) and Ointments 7 (2.3%) respectively. More than half of the respondents (62.3%) misused their OTC medicines at varying degrees; Always 6 (2.0%), Sometimes 145 (48.3%) and rarely 36 (12.0%). The majority of the respondents misused OTC drugs because they did not think it mattered 91 (48.7%). Other reasons were; recommended dose not effective 84 (44.9%) and the need for faster onset of action 9 (4.8%). The prevalence of misuse was 187 (62.3%).

Conclusion: There was high prevalence and widespread misuse of various OTC medicines by the teachers at varying degrees, with vitamin supplements being most misused. Teachers should have routine OTC drug information through workshops organized by health-related agencies, since they possess the ability to influence the larger society.