Knowledge, sources and use of over-the-counter drugs by teachers in a Nigerian urban community.

OBJECTIVES

Responsible use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs requires accurate knowledge of the drugs and when to seek professional help. The study assessed knowledge, sources and use of OTC medicines by secondary school teachers.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multistage sampling method that involved systematic sampling.

SETTING

Ten secondary schools in Benin City, Nigeria.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred secondary school teachers who were either casual or permanent staff and who gave informed consent were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Respondents' knowledge of OTC drugs, their sources of OTC drugs, and the most commonly used OTC drugs, among the respondents.

RESULTS

Among the 300 study participants, the majority, 185 (61.7%), practised in public schools and more than a quarter, 82 (27.3%), had good knowledge of OTC drugs. Advertisement was the most frequently reported source of information 57(19.0%). Type of school (P=0.001), educational qualification (P=0.024) and reading of enclosed drug information leaflets (P=0.001) were significantly associated with level of knowledge. The major source of OTC medicines was pharmacies (158, 52.7%), and analgesics were mainly used (216, 72.0%), followed by vitamin supplements (172, 57.0%). Ability to recognise and treat minor ailments 132(44.0%,) was the major reason for OTC drug use.

CONCLUSION

Poor knowledge of OTC medicines was common among the teachers; their major source of knowledge was advertisements, and analgesics were most used.

FUNDING: None declared.