Appraisal of the practice of ocular self-medication in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to assess the practice of ocular self-medication among people of the Cape Coast Metropolis, Central Region of Ghana. A population-based survey involving 421 respondents ≥18 years old was conducted. A pre-tested interview-based questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, ocular symptoms for which selfmedication was practiced, medical knowledge and self-care orientation. Households were systematically and randomly selected as study units. Analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Descriptive results were expressed as frequency, percentage, and mean±standard deviation, X2 test was used for associations, and logistic regression was used to test for predictors of the practice of ocular self-medication. Prevalence of ocular self-medication was 23.3% with itchy eye being the main ocular symptom for which self-medication was practiced. Local pharmacies were the main source of drug for ocular self-medication. There was no association between medical knowledge and the practice of ocular self-medication (X2=0.126; P=0.722). Some 25.5% experienced adverse effects. In conclusion, the practice of ocular self-medication was without recourse to adequate concept of the practice of self-care but its negative effect was mitigated by the low self-care orientation of the people.Downloads
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Published
2014-06-18
Keywords:
ocular symptoms, self-medication, adverse effect, Africa
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How to Cite
Kyei, S., Ocansey, S., Abu, E. K., & Gyedu, B. N. (2014). Appraisal of the practice of ocular self-medication in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Optometry Reports, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/optometry.2014.2164
Copyright (c) 2014 Samuel Kyei, Stephen Ocansey, Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, Bismark Nyarko Gyedu

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