Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication With Antibiotics Among University Students in South-West Nigeria

Background

The inappropriate use of antibiotics has become a major public health concern globally due to its contribution to antimicrobial resistance. In Nigeria, self-medication with antibiotics remains widespread among young adults because of easy access to medications, inadequate regulation of pharmaceutical sales, perceived cost savings, and limited healthcare utilization. University students are particularly vulnerable due to academic pressures, health information obtained from non-professional sources, and reliance on peer recommendations. Persistent misuse of antibiotics contributes to treatment failures, increased healthcare costs, and the emergence of resistant pathogens. Despite ongoing antimicrobial stewardship efforts, evidence regarding the drivers of antibiotic self-medication among university students remains limited. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of this behavior is crucial for designing targeted educational and policy interventions aimed at promoting rational antibiotic use.

Research Objectives

• Determine the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among university students.
• Assess students' knowledge regarding appropriate antibiotic use.
• Examine factors associated with antibiotic self-medication practices.
• Evaluate common sources of antibiotics used without prescription.
• Identify predictors of self-medication behavior among students.

Research Questions

• What is the prevalence of antibiotic self-medication among university students?
• What level of knowledge do students possess regarding antibiotic use?
• Which factors influence self-medication practices?
• What are the common sources of antibiotics used without prescription?
• What factors predict self-medication behavior?

Suggested Methodology

Suggested Sample

Keywords