Health-seeking behaviors vary widely across different populations, and recent research highlights serious concerns about antibiotic self-medication practices among adults in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Approximately 96% of respondents surveyed reported having self-medicated with antibiotics at some point, signaling an urgent need for public health intervention. This study reveals key factors influencing these behaviors, including perceived severity of illnesses and financial constraints.
According to research published by Adeke et al. (2025), only 35.9% of individuals reported consulting healthcare professionals the first time they experienced health issues. Instead, the majority turned to drug vendors or self-medication, with many citing ease of access to medications as their primary reason for doing so. The prevalence of self-medication poses significant risks, contributing to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which could compromise effective treatment options for bacterial infections.
The research conducted employed a community-based cross-sectional design, collecting data from 448 adults. Interviews revealed factors such as perceived illness severity (71.7%), past medical experiences (68.3%), and treatment costs (67.9%) were major determinants of health-seeking behaviors. Strikingly, those living alone, self-employed, or unemployed were less likely to engage with formal healthcare systems.
Another concerning statistic emerged when respondents were asked about antibiotic use. Over half (58.5%) had self-medicated with antibiotics within the last three months before the study. Factors influencing this practice included successful outcomes from previous antibiotic treatments and the affordability of medications from local drugstores. Ease of access to drugs was noted as particularly significant, with 94% of self-medicated individuals obtaining antibiotics from informal sources.
The study's findings mirror trends observed across various settings, raising important questions about health-seeking behaviors on the African continent. The current findings highlight the necessity for mass sensitization campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of self-medication, particularly with antibiotics.
Policymakers are urged to enforce stricter laws around antibiotic dispensing, as well as to promote health insurance schemes to reduce individuals' out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Comprehensive public health education will also be important to inform the populace about appropriate health-seeking behavior and the associated risks of self-medication.
Such initiatives can play pivotal roles as Nigeria grapples with the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, which threatens the effectiveness of treatments amid increasing rates of self-medication. The path forward calls for collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations.