Self-medication practice in Ethiopia: a systematic review
Open accessAbstract
BACKGROUND: Self-medication patterns vary among different populations, and are influenced by many factors. No review has been done that comprehensively expresses self-medication practice in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the literature on self-medication practice in Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Hinari) were searched for published studies on the practice of self-medication in Ethiopia without restriction in the year of publication or methodology. Some studies were also identified through manual Google search. Primary search terms were "self medication", "Ethiopia", "self care", "non-prescription", "OTC drug use", "drug utilization", and "drug hoarding". Studies that measured knowledge only or attitude only or beliefs only and did not determine the practice of self-medication were excluded. RESULTS: The database search produced a total of 450 papers. After adjustment for duplicates and inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were found suitable for the review. All studies were cross-sectional in nature. The prevalence of self-medication varied from 12.8% to 77.1%, with an average of 36.8%. Fever/headache, gastrointestinal tract diseases, and respiratory diseases were the commonest illnesses/symptoms for which self-medication was taken. The major reasons for practicing self-medication were previous experience of treating a similar illness and feeling that the illness was mild. Analgesics/antipyretics, antimicrobials, gastrointestinal drugs, and respiratory drugs were the common drug classes used in self-medication. Mainly, these drugs were obtained from drug-retail outlets. The use of self-medication was commonly suggested by pharmacy professionals and friends/relatives. CONCLUSION: Self-medication practice is prevalent in Ethiopia and varies in different populations and regions of the country. Some of the self-medication practices are harmful and need prompt action. Special attention should be given to educating the public and health care providers on the types of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated and the types of drugs to be used for self-medication.
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Among the different channels from which patients in LMICs can access antibiotics, community drug retail outlets are a predominant source of antibiotics for the wider population.
“Among the different channels from which patients in LMICs can access antibiotics, CDROs have been identified to be a predominant source of antibiotics for the wider population [19–22].”
From No prescription? No problem: drivers of non-prescribed sale of antibiotics among community drug retail outlets in low and middle income countries: a systematic review of qualitative studies (2021) · cites this paper as [19]
The Results section ('Drugs used in self-medication, where they are obtained, and who suggested their use'; page not provided) reports that drug-retail outlets supplied 66.6% of drugs used for self-medication in the Ethiopian studies reviewed. It also identifies antimicrobials as a commonly used class, but does not establish that these outlets are the predominant source of antibiotics for the wider population across LMICs. (LLM, conf=0.87)
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“Different studies were conducted in different parts of Ethiopia regarding self-medication and related issues, but most of these studies utilize consumer’s perspective [11, 12], while the role of community pharmacy professionals in the management of minor ailments and the potential barriers in service delivery are usua…”
BackgroundBekele, K. M., Abay, A. M., Mengistu, K. A., Atsbeha, B. W., Demeke, C. A., Belay, W. S., & Yimenu, D. K. (2020) · Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice · doi:10.2147/iprp.s266786 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Jember, E., Feleke, A. D., Debie, A., & Asrade, G. (2019) · BMC Research Notes · doi:10.1186/s13104-019-4195-2 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Gashaw, T., Yadeta, T. A., Weldegebreal, F., Regassa, L. D., Jambo, A., & Assefa, N. (2025) · Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1186/s13643-025-02783-6 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
“Accordingly, the authors found a gap in a systematic review and meta-analysis that provides a comprehensive global ASM practice, even though various studies have been conducted in multiple countries [4, 16–18].”
Bogale, A. A., Amhare, A. F., Chang, J., Bogale, H. A., Betaw, S. T., Gebrehiwot, N. T., & Fang, Y. (2019) · Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy · doi:10.1080/14787210.2019.1620105 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
“A few surveys conducted among selected households, and university students in Ethiopia revealed a high prevalence of self-medication [8,19,20].”
BackgroundTesting the boundaries: Self-medicated testosterone replacement and why it is practised
Underwood, M., van de Ven, K., & Dunn, M. (2020) · International Journal of Drug Policy · doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103087 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Kifle, Z. D., Mekuria, A. B., Anteneh, D. A., & Enyew, E. F. (2021) · INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing · doi:10.1177/00469580211005188 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Amaha, M. H., Alemu, B. M., & Atomsa, G. E. (2019) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0218772 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Self-Medication Practices among Community of Harar City and Its Surroundings, Eastern Ethiopia
Mamo, S., Ayele, Y., & Dechasa, M. (2018) · Journal of Pharmaceutics · doi:10.1155/2018/2757108 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
“3% of self-medication use, respectively [18].”
BackgroundBelachew, S. A., Hall, L., & Selvey, L. A. (2022) · Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control · doi:10.1186/s13756-022-01102-1 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“In these situations, CDROs may serve as a primary healthcare facility and are a main source of medications [14, 15].”
BackgroundTohan, M. M., Ahmed, F., Juie, I. J., Kabir, A., Howlader, M. H., & Rahman, M. A. (2024) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-60931-9 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Netere, A. K., Erku, D., Sendekie, A. K., Gebreyohannes, E. A., Muluneh, N. Y., & Belachew, S. A. (2018) · The Journal of Headache and Pain · doi:10.1186/s10194-018-0930-7 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Self-medication practice and contributing factors among pregnant women
Niriayo, Y. L., Mohammed, K., Asgedom, S. W., Demoz, G. T., Wahdey, S., & Gidey, K. (2021) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0251725 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Mohammed, S. A., Tsega, G., & Hailu, A. D. (2021) · Drug Healthcare and Patient Safety · doi:10.2147/dhps.s290662 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“Mainly, these drugs were obtained from drug-retail outlets(32,35) and the use of self-medication was commonly suggested by pharmacy professionals and friends/ relatives.(8) There is an increasing trend in self-medication with non-prescription drugs.”
BackgroundInfluentialSema, F. D., Addis, D. G., Melese, E. S., Nassa, D. D., & Kifle, Z. D. (2020) · International Journal of Reproductive Medicine · doi:10.1155/2020/2936862 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Kawuma, R., Chimukuche, R. S., Francis, S. C., Seeley, J., & Weiss, H. A. (2021) · Global Health Action · doi:10.1080/16549716.2021.1955476 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“Thirteen studies were conducted in Nigeria, with others in Ethiopia (n = 9), Ghana (n = 2), Tanzania (n = 2) and one each from South Africa, Gambia, Mozambique, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Kenya.”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-medication among medical students at the Copperbelt University, Zambia: A cross-sectional study
Banda, O. K., Vlahakis, P. A., Daka, V., & Matafwali, S. K. (2021) · Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal · doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2021.10.005 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
“Several other studies in different populations have revealed factors such as availability of drugs, the level of education, family, and the exposure to advertisements as predictors of self-medication (Araia et al., 2019; Ayalew, 2017; Yousef et al., 2008).”
Atif, M., Malik, I., Asif, M., Qamar-uz-Zaman, M., Ahmad, N., & Scahill, S. L. (2020) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-819837-7.00024-8 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Prevalence of self-medication in Ghana: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Opoku, R., Dwumfour-Asare, B., Agrey-Bluwey, L., Appiah, N. E., Ackah, M., Acquah, F., Asenso, P. F., & Issaka, A.-A. (2023) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064627 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Bouqoufi, A., Lahlou, L., Boujraf, S., Hadj, F. A. E., Razıne, R., Abouqal, R., & Khabbal, Y. (2024) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-023-17195-1 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“It is a difficult medical situation for clinicians to select the drug because of the various pharmacokinetic and physiological changes encountered in pregnant women [6, 7].”
BackgroundInfluentialTuha, A., Faris, A. G., Mohammed, S. A., & Gobezie, M. Y. (2020) · Patient Preference and Adherence · doi:10.2147/ppa.s277098 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“In addition, in most of the economically deprived countries, including Ethiopia, many drugs are dispensed over the counter, and nearly 60%–80% of health-related problems are treated through self-medication as a lower-cost alternative.(5,6) Pregnant women’s are one of the vulnerable population groups who practice self-…”
BackgroundMekuria, A. B., Birru, E. M., Tesfa, M. T., Geta, M., Kifle, Z. D., & Amare, T. (2021) · Frontiers in Pharmacology · doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.593764 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Prevalence and Predictors of Storage of Unused Medicines among Households in Northwestern Ethiopia
Yimenu, D. K., Teni, F. S., & Ebrahim, A. J. (2020) · Journal of Environmental and Public Health · doi:10.1155/2020/8703208 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“…the two study areas as well as differences in self-medication practices in Nigeria and Ethiopia, in which evidence showed that there is a higher self-medication practice in Nigeria as compared to Ethiopia [36, 37]. fact that in Ethiopia public health facilities are the main sources of medicines (71”
Sarba, E. J., Damme, I. V., Mideksa, B., & Gabriël, S. (2020) · Parasites & Vectors · doi:10.1186/s13071-020-04222-y · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Medication‐related problems and adverse drug reactions in Ethiopia: A systematic review
Kefale, B., Degu, A., & Tegegne, G. T. (2020) · Pharmacology Research & Perspectives · doi:10.1002/prp2.641 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Prevalence of self-medication among the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Rafati, S., Baniasadi, T., Dastyar, N., Zoghi, G., Ahmadidarrehsima, S., Salari, N., & Rafati, F. (2023) · Journal of Education and Health Promotion · doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_630_22 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Nursing Students
Dönmez, S., Güngör, K., & Göv, P. (2017) · International Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.3923/ijp.2018.136.143 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Prevalence and Factors Related to Self-Medication for COVID-19 Prevention in the Elderly
Heshmatifar, N., Quchan, A. D. M., Tabrizi, Z. M., Moayed, L., Moradi, S., Rastagi, S., & Borzooei, F. (2021) · Salmand · doi:10.32598/sija.16.1.2983.1 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Bassoum, O., Sougou, N. M., Diongue, M., Lèye, M. M. M., Mbodji, M., Fall, D., Seck, I., Faye, A., & Tal‐Dia, A. (2018) · Pharmacy · doi:10.3390/pharmacy6040103 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“On the other hand, it could be interpreted as a consequence of self-medication which itself is exacerbated by the sale of drugs, including antibiotics, ‘over-the-counter’ [1,3,62].”
BackgroundKahssay, S. W., Tadege, G., & Muhammed, F. (2022) · Heliyon · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10398 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Almalki, M. E., Almuqati, F. S., Alotaibi, M. O., Makki, S. Y., Alqasem, M. A., Alsharif, F., & Hassan-Hussein, A. (2022) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.29944 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
“Our findings also support a study from Ethiopia that revealed women to be more prone to SM [22].”
Dillard, L. K., Wu, C. Z., Saunders, J. E., & McMahon, C. M. (2021) · Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy · doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.10.004 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Ethiopian Medicinal Plants Used for Respiratory Tract Disorders: Ethnomedicinal Review
Teka, A., & Maryo, M. (2023) · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1155/2023/7612804 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“Moreover, despite the paucity of scientifc evidence associated with the efcacy and safety of traditional medicine, the increasing preference for traditional medicinal use is supported by the promising results local people gain from using traditional medicinal plants in the treatment of various diseases [13, 14].”
BackgroundDemissie, F., Ereso, K., & Paulos, G. (2022) · Drug Healthcare and Patient Safety · doi:10.2147/dhps.s325150 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“Such irrational and irresponsible use of antibiotics for the SM may lead to increased risk of mistreatment, size effect, worsening of infectious disease, development of antibiotic resistance, and limitation of therapeutic choices.(26,38,39) Figure 6 Sources of information for self-medication with an antibiotic.”
BackgroundGhasemyani, S., Roohravan Benis, M., Hosseinifard, H., Jahangiri, R., Aryankhesal, A., Shabaninejad, H., Rafiei, S., & Ghashghaee, A. (2022) · Annals of Public Health · doi:10.55085/aph.2022.585 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“Some reviews have been carried out on self-medication in specific age groups, such as adolescents (29, 30) or the elderly (31), or particular regions of the world, including the Middle East (32) or specific countries (19, 28).”
BackgroundImpact of pension income on healthcare utilization of older adults in rural China
Yan, P., Li, F., Nicholas, S., Maitland, E., Tan, J., Chen, C., & Wang, J. (2023) · International Journal for Equity in Health · doi:10.1186/s12939-023-01985-5 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“Proper self-medication can reduce the long-term healthcare burden at the individual and societal level [21, 22].”
BackgroundSelf-medication among pregnant women in Ghana: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Opoku, R., Yar, D., & Botchwey, C. O. (2022) · Heliyon · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10777 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“Specifically, self-medication reduces pressure on healthcare systems, decreases time spent by patients seeking care, and reduces costs (Alhomoud et al., 2017; Ayalew, 2017; Bennadi, 2013).”
Botyar, M., Kashanian, M., Abadi, Z. R. H., Noor, M. H., Khoramroudi, R., Monfaredi, M., & Nasehe, G. (2018) · Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care · doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_227_17 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Gbeasor‐Komlanvi, F. A., Zida-Compaore, W. I. C., Dare, I. H., Diallo, A., Darré, T., Potchoo, Y., Belo, M., & Ekouévi, D. K. (2020) · Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research · doi:10.1155/2020/4346035 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Pasay-an, E. A., Saguban, R. B., Cabansag, D. I., & Alkubati, S. A. (2024) · BMC Nursing · doi:10.1186/s12912-024-01950-9 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“…compliance, patient discontent with the healthcare practitioner, the patient’s lack of awareness of both their health status and their medicine [11], and having an initial treatment plan for a similar condition that underrates the disease [12] can all add to the reasons for self-medicating.”
BackgroundBoltena, M. T., Wolde, M., Hailu, B., El‐Khatib, Z., Steck, V., Woldegerima, S., Siraneh, Y., & Sudhakar, M. (2024) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-62651-6 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“However, there is limited regional-level data available to describe the point prevalence of antibiotic use among hospitalized patients in SSA 19 .”
BackgroundSelf-medication practice among the general public in Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Abuhamdah, S. M. A., & Naser, A. Y. (2024) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1433464 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“Improper self-medication can result in treatment delays, an escalation in polypharmacy, wastage of resources, interactions with commonly used medications, and irrational use of medicines (10).”
BackgroundDemographic determinants of self-medication in the population covered by health centers in Tabriz
Shaamekhi, H. R., Jafarabadi, M. A., & Alizadeh, M. (2019) · Health Promotion Perspectives · doi:10.15171/hpp.2019.26 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“6 times higher than that seen in the “retired” group (65 years and older), and the possibility of self-medication in the “middle-age” group (25-44) was 3.”
BackgroundFactors Associated with Parental Self-medication of Antibiotics in Health Centers of Manila
Bulario, J. S., Cruz, I. L. P., Pilapil, M., & Gutiérrez, M. M. M. (2018) · KnE Social Sciences · doi:10.18502/kss.v3i6.2427 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Adimassu, N. F., Woldetsadik, Z. G., & Alemu, H. W. (2020) · Journal of Ophthalmology · doi:10.1155/2020/6932686 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“In addition, self-medication practice negatively affects healthcare-seeking behavior of individuals and causes delay in diagnosis of problems and appropriate treatments [15].”
BackgroundGe, P., Li, Q., Murong, D., Niu, Y., Han, X., Xiong, P., Bao, Y., Min, H., Liu, D., Wang, S., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.1074559 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“The present research refers to the methods used in other studies (1, 65), whereby the professional advice from physicians and that from pharmacists were merged into the medical staff ’s advice.”
MethodGharouni, K., Ardalan, A., Araban, M., Ebrahimzadeh, F., Bakhtiar, K., Almasian, M., & Bastami, F. (2020) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09425-7 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Temechewu, M. W. (2020) · Journal of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics · doi:10.7176/jmpb/65-02 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“As the researchers’ noted, few studies have been conducted on OTC medicines from pharmacy practice perspective (Girma, et al., 2011), (Abdissa & Anbessa, 2015), (Mohammed, 2017), and (Tewodros, et al., 2015).”
BackgroundBelachew, S. A., Hall, L., & Selvey, L. A. (2023) · BMC Health Services Research · doi:10.1186/s12913-023-09819-4 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Self-medication with antibiotics, which are often obtained from community drug retail outlets (CDROs) in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) [14–16], has been identified as a leading contributor to the over-use of antibiotics including Ethiopia [17–21].”
BackgroundBello, I. B., Akinnawo, E. O., Akpunne, B. C., & Mopa-Egbunu, A. (2022) · Cogent Arts and Humanities · doi:10.1080/23311983.2022.2049480 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Although selfmedicating practices among university undergraduates is a popular subject in medical and behavioural science research (Esan et al., 2018; Afolabi, 2008; Ayalew, 2017), self-medicating practices relating specifically to the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduates is yet to receive adequate research attentio…”
BackgroundZheng, Z., Feng, Z., Zhang, D. “., Sun, X., Dong, D., Luo, Y., & Feng, D. (2023) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.1047710 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Muhummed, A. M., Alemu, A., Osman, Y. M., Tschopp, R., Hattendorf, J., Vonaesch, P., Zinsstag, J., & Cissé, G. (2024) · Antibiotics · doi:10.3390/antibiotics13040292 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“…and other studies encompass limited access to healthcare services and supplies, prior personal experiences, and the severity of the ailment [29,30]; while for livestock, the major factors include the absence of veterinary clinics, limited drug availability, cost considerations, and prior…”
BackgroundOumer, A., Ale, A., Hamza, A., & Dagne, I. (2023) · BioMed Research International · doi:10.1155/2023/4726010 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“…” as the prevalence of self-medication practice among adults from the previous study ( P 1 = 24 4 % and n 1 = 283 [19], P 2 = 36 8 % and n 2 = 357 [20], and P 3 = 52 5 % and n 3 = 383 [21]), 95% con fi dence level, “ Z ” critical value at 95% con fi dence level (1.96), and marginal error “ d ” of…”
BackgroundInfluentialKokabisaghi, F., Emadi, M. S. M., Tajik, A., Sharifi, F., Houshmand, E., & Varmaghani, M. (2024) · Health Science Reports · doi:10.1002/hsr2.1983 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“44 Inadequate knowledge about the risks of self ‐ medication and the communication gap between patients and the healthcare team might result in self ‐ medication.”
BackgroundHousehold Level Drug Utilization and Associated Factors in South Gondar Zone, North Western Ethiopia
Ewunetei, A., Yisak, H., & Kefale, B. (2021) · Drug Healthcare and Patient Safety · doi:10.2147/dhps.s297354 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“These practices vary in different populations and regions of the country.(10,25,26) Patterns of drug utilization may vary among different areas and communities or at different times.”
BackgroundSelf-Medication in Africa during COVID-19 Pandemic
Ismail, Z., Mohan, A., Ngendahayo, C., Aborode, A. T., Abid, A., Costa, A. C. D. S., Ahmad, S., & Essar, M. Y. (2021) · INNOVATIONS in pharmacy · doi:10.24926/iip.v12i4.4234 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Factors like considering the disease to be mild, continued use of prescribed drugs, suggestion of friends with similar symptoms, having little pharmacological understanding, saving time and consultation fee, previous similar experiences encourage the practice of selfmedication among the population (2,3).”
BackgroundSimegn, W., Dagnew, B., & Dagne, H. (2020) · Infection and Drug Resistance · doi:10.2147/idr.s257667 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Ahmed, H. N., Damtew, B. S., Abera, W., Wakwoya, E. B., Bayu, H., & Tiruye, G. (2025) · Frontiers in Medicine · doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1489990 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“This is particularly concerning during pregnancy, as physiological and anatomical changes make women susceptible to various symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, and edema, potentially leading them to self-medicate (4).”
What Shapes Late HIV Diagnosis in Vietnam? A Qualitative Investigation of Multilevel Factors
Trang, N. T., Ngoc, L. A., Thuy, D. T. D., Nagot, N., Laureillard, D., Visier, L., & Giang, L. M. (2021) · AIDS Education and Prevention · doi:10.1521/aeap.2021.33.5.450 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Lin, B., Mei, Y., Ma, F., Zhang, Z., Chen, Q., & Wang, S. (2018) · International Journal of Nursing Practice · doi:10.1111/ijn.12625 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“In view of the increasing number of patients with chronic diseases in China, self‐medication behaviour (Dong, Xuchun, & Xiaohong, 2011) is a commonplace and high‐risk phenomenon, similar to that seen in Ethiopia (Ayalew, 2017).”
ResultVedavathi, H., & Manjunath, H. (2018) · International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology · doi:10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20182102 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Negarandeh, R., Shayan, S. J., Nazari, R., Kiwanuka, B. F., & Rad, S. A. (2020) · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-39213/v1 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
SEZERANO, M.-L., & NIYONKURU, E. (2024) · International Journal of Science and Research Archive · doi:10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.2.2377 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“…studies and found that the prevalence of self-medication ranged from 12.8% to 77.1%, primarily for fever, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms, involving the use of analgesics and antimicrobials often obtained from retail pharmacies or recommended by pharmacy staff and acquaintances[11].”
InfluentialHealth anxiety and information-seeking in the digital age: a two-wave study of cyberchondria
Luo, X., Chang, J. Y., Cheah, J., Lim, W. M., & Lim, X. (2026) · Internet Research · doi:10.1108/intr-09-2024-1337 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Tujuba, T. D., Chilo, D., Abebe, E., & Zenu, S. (2023) · Drug Healthcare and Patient Safety · doi:10.2147/dhps.s394346 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“8%).(24) The relatively lower prevalence of SMP in our study may be due to the difference in study period, residence, and type of medications considered in the studies.”
BackgroundJanatolmakan, M., Naghipour, A., & Khatony, A. (2023) · Nursing Open · doi:10.1002/nop2.1653 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“…of COVID- 19 treatment in the hospital Yes 6 (5.9) No 96 (94.1) Crowded medical centres Yes 6 (5.9) No 96 (94.1) Having information in the field of pharmacology Yes 10 (9.8) No 92 (90.2) findings of previous studies (Andreani et al., 2020; Ayalew, 2017; Damle et al., 2020; Esan et al., 2018).”
BackgroundInfluentialPractices About Antibiotic Use Among Urban Residents: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Rufisque, Senegal
Bassoum, O. (2019) · Central African Journal of Public Health · doi:10.11648/j.cajph.20190501.11 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Yet a systematic review of 34 studies and that of Ayalew MB conducted in Ethiopia revealed that age, gender, marital status, occupational status are determinants of selfmedication [30, 39].”
BackgroundAlosaimi, A. A., Zamzam, S., Berdida, D. J. E., & Villagracia, H. N. (2022) · Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.03.001 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Respondents also have stated that their primary sources of knowledge were friends and/or pharmacists.(28,29) Although most OTC medicines are safe during pregnancy, others have not been tested and may harm the developing fetus.”
BackgroundSelf-medication cases reported to a poison information center in Brazil from 2014 to 2020
Guarda, F. N. B., Galetti, I. N., dos Santos, C. R., & Marchioni, C. (2024) · Clinical Toxicology · doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2326845 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Saliya, S. A., Hailu, A. G., Sebro, S. F., & Menesho, M. D. (2025) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-025-21441-z · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“The findings from this study align with the prevalence range of self-medication practices identified in a systematic review of studies conducted in Ethiopia, which ranged from 12.8 to 77.1% [11].”
InfluentialDeterminants of antimicrobial use in diarrhoea management among under-five children in Zomba, Malawi
Dieckens, B., Janelisa, M., & Lampiao, F. (2019) · Journal of Microbiology and Antimicrobials · doi:10.5897/jma2019.0416 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“This implies that their ability to detect diarrhoeal disease which in turn affects their response rate is low, such that some mothers/caregivers percieve diarrhoea as mild medical condition which does not warrant seeking medical care (Le et al., 2011; Ayalew, 2017).”
BackgroundSelf-Medication in Pregnancy and Associated Psychopathological Symptoms of Antenatal Nigerian Women
Akinnawo, E. O., Bello, I. B., Akpunne, B. C., & Ajibola, B. S. (2020) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2020.1112127 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“Factors responsible for the rise in SM across the globe include socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, ready access to drugs, increased potential to manage certain illnesses through self-care, and greater availability of medicinal products (Avalew, 2017).”
BackgroundNweke, O. C., Anim-Wright, K., & Towuru, B. (2024) · Journal of Humanities Arts and Social Science · doi:10.26855/jhass.2023.12.040 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Ababneh, B. F., Aljamal, H. Z., & Hussain, R. (2025) · Pharmacy · doi:10.3390/pharmacy13030079 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Akinnawo, E. O., Onisile, D. F., Alakija, O. A., & Akpunne, B. C. (2021) · international journal high risk behaviors & addiction · doi:10.5812/ijhrba.107221 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“creased potential to manage certain illnesses through selfcare (17).”
BackgroundOjo, J. O., Ipinnimo, T. M., Osho, B. O., Ipinnimo, O., Ogundun, O. A., & Osun State Primary Healthcare Board, O. (2024) · Journal of Public Health and Development · doi:10.55131/jphd/2024/220125 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Onubogu, U. C. (2020) · International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences · doi:10.36660/ijcs.20190212 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Prevalence of self-medication among students of Umm Al-Qura and Al-Baha Universities in Saudi Arabia
Alsugoor, M. H., Alsuhaymi, N., Alshahrani, Y., Alsagoor, Y. H., Alghamdi, A. M., Alalawi, S. M., Alalawi, S. B., Alothayqi, F. A., Alamri, M. M., & Ewis, A. A. (2022) · Medical Science · doi:10.54905/disssi/v26i127/ms388e2461 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Onsori, P., Esmaeli, F., Abachi, S., Miremami, M. M., Farahani, A. M., Nouroozi, P., Kazemi, A., & Varpaei, H. A. (2020) · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-104172/v1 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“However, some methods of self-medication are harmful and require immediate action (31).”
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“Despite these regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent, and PMVs frequently dispense antibiotics without prescriptions, often in incomplete doses or without proper guidance [18–21].”
Automedicação em usuários da Atenção Primária à Saúde: motivadores e fatores associados
Ramires, R. O. R. O., Lindemann, I. L., Acrani, G. O., & Glusczak, L. (2022) · Semina Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde · doi:10.5433/1679-0367.2022v43n1p75 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
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A automedicação da população mundial: uma revisão integrativa
de Menezes, A. S., Bonanni, I. A., Souza, M. D. S. G. C., Carneiro, S. V. G., Alves, S. M., de Oliveira, T. A., & de Souza, M. B. R. (2021) · Research Society and Development · doi:10.33448/rsd-v10i10.18660 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Edukasi Cerdas Menggunakan Obat (Cermat) terhadap Pengetahuan dan Sikap Masyarakat Kelompok Senam
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Non-prescribed drug use and its associated factors among pregnant women in Southwest Ethiopia
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Prevalence and determinants of self-medication among medical undergraduates: a cross-sectional study
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“Reports from other study areas in Ethiopia [52] and Eritrea [53] indicated that drug retailers were the most common source of obtaining drugs for self-medication.”
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- Authors
- Ayalew, M. B.
- Affiliations
- University of Gondar (ET)
- Corresponding author
- Ayalew, Mohammed Biset
- Venue
- Patient Preference and Adherence
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2017-03
- Volume
- Volume 11
- Pages
- 401-413
- ISSN
- 1177-889X (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC5338978
- OpenAlex
- W2593434166
- Cited by
- 182
- References
- 74
- Citations by year
- 2026: 20 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 21 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 2
- FWCI
- 2.10
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Patient Preference and Adherence (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Dove Medical Press (Taylor and Francis Group) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmacology › Pharmacy and Medical Practices
- Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology › Antibiotic Use and Resistance
- Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
- Keywords
- self-medication, Ethiopia, over-the-counter drugs, analgesics and antipyretics, antimicrobial agents, medication use, self-diagnosis, prevalence of self-medication, pharmacists, public health education
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