Self-medication with anti-malarials is a common practice in rural communities of Kilosa district in Tanzania despite the reported decline of malaria
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Self-medication has been widely practiced worldwide particularly in developing countries including
Tanzania. In sub-Saharan Africa high incidences of malaria have contributed to self-medication with anti-malarial
drugs. In recent years, there has been a gain in malaria control, which has led to decreased malaria transmission,
morbidity and mortality. Therefore, understanding the patterns of self-medication during this period when most
instances of fever are presumed to be due to non-malaria febrile illnesses is important. In this study, self-medication
practice was assessed among community members and information on the habit of self-medication was gathered
from health workers.
Methods: Twelve focus group discussions (FGD) with members of communities and 14 in-depth interviews (IDI)
with health workers were conducted in Kilosa district, Tanzania. The transcripts were coded into different categories
by MaxQDA software and then analysed through thematic content analysis.
Results: The study revealed that self-medication was a common practice among FGD participants. Anti-malarial
drugs including sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and quinine were frequently used by the participants for treatment of
fever. Study participants reported that they visited health facilities following failure of self-medication or if there was
no significant improvement after self-medication. The common reported reasons for self-medication were shortages
of drugs at health facilities, long waiting time at health facilities, long distance to health facilities, inability to pay for
health care charges and the freedom to choose the preferred drugs.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that self-medication practice is common among rural communities in the study
area. The need for community awareness is emphasized for correct and comprehensive information about drawbacks
associated with self-medication practices. Deliberate efforts by the government and other stakeholders to improve
health care services, particularly at primary health care facilities will help to reduce self-medication practices.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Self-medication, Rural communities, Anti-malarials, Kilosa, Tanzania