Self-Medication Among Pharmacy Technician Trainees in Nigeria: Overconfidence, Risk, and the Path to Rational Drug Use

When future healthcare providers self-medicate, what does it mean for rational drug use and public health?

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BioMed Central
BioMed Central BioMed Central

Self-medication among pharmacy technician students in Offa, Nigeria: implications for rational drug use and future healthcare practice

Background Self-medication, defined as the use of medicines without prior medical consultation regarding indication, dosage, or duration of treatment, is a common practice worldwide and is recognized by the World Health Organization as part of self-care. While appropriate self-medication may help in the management of minor illnesses, inappropriate use can result in adverse drug reactions, incorrect drug selection, drug interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and increased risk of dependence. The prevalence of self-medication among university students has been reported to be high in many countries, particularly in developing regions where access to medicines without prescription is common. Despite the public health implications, there is limited data on self-medication practices among pharmacy technician students in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and describe the patterns of self-medication among pharmacy technician students, including commonly used medications, reported reasons for self-medication, and awareness of potential risks. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy technician students at Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, Nigeria, between March and May 2025. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, self-medication practices, commonly used medications, reasons for self-medication, and awareness of associated risks. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula for estimating a single population proportion, with finite population correction applied because the accessible population was less than 10,000. Participants were selected using convenience sampling among eligible students who were present during the study period and consented to participate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results Of the 140 respondents, 126 (90.0%) reported practising self-medication. The most commonly used medicines were analgesics/antacids (60.0%) and antibiotics (30.0%). The leading reasons for self-medication were convenience (25.0%), cost saving (25.0%), and lack of time (20.0%). Although 75.0% of respondents reported awareness of the risks associated with self-medication, 30.0% reported experiencing adverse effects following self-medication. Conclusion Self-medication is highly prevalent among pharmacy technician students. Despite adequate knowledge about medicines, students frequently self-medicate due to convenience, accessibility, and perceived minor illness. Educational interventions, stricter regulation of drug sales, and improved access to healthcare services are necessary to reduce irrational self-medication practices.

When future healthcare providers self-medicate, what does it mean for rational drug use and public health? Our newly published study in BMC Public Health explores the hidden prevalence, underlying drivers, and institutional policy implications among pharmacy technician students in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Read the full open-access article in BMC Public Health: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-29552-x

Pharmacy technicians occupy a critical frontline position in global health systems, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa, where they routinely dispense medications, counsel patients, and manage community drug supplies. However, an intriguing paradox exists: Does acquiring early pharmaceutical knowledge encourage rational self-care, or does it breed overconfidence that leads to risky self-medication practices?

In our latest study published in BMC Public Health, we examined self-medication behaviors among pharmacy technician students in Offa, Nigeria.

Core Takeaways & Public Health Implications:

  • The "Knowledge-Practice Paradox": Trainees often leverage early clinical training to self-diagnose and self-prescribe—frequently bypassing formal healthcare consultations.
  • Medication Patterns & AMR Risks: Widespread, unmonitored use of prescription-only drugs, analgesics, and antimalarials raises major concerns regarding adverse drug reactions, inappropriate dosing, and the acceleration of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Curricular & Policy Imperatives: The findings underscore an urgent need to embed robust rational drug use (RDU) modules, bioethics, and institutional health policies directly into allied health science curricula.

Addressing self-medication at the trainee level is vital for safeguarding future healthcare workers and ensuring they model the rational prescribing standards they are expected to uphold in practice.

Follow the Topic

Health Policy
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Public Health > Health Policy
Global Health
Humanities and Social Sciences > Society > Sociology > Health, Medicine and Society > Global Health
Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Public Health > Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance
Pharmacy
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Pharmacy
Health Administration
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Public Health > Health Administration

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