Investigation on self-medication among outpatients consulting in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department at the Campus University Hospital of Lome-Togo

Abstract

Abstract Aim: To evaluate knowledge regarding self-medication and describe hepatic and renal biological disturbances observed in patients practicing self-medication. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection was conducted from February 1, 2022, to July 31, 2022, in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of the Lome Campus Teaching Hospital (Togo). It included outpatients who provided written, voluntary, and informed consent to participate in the study. Results: A total of 419 patients participated in the study. The mean age of the patients was 39.80 ± 14.93 years. The frequency of self-medication was estimated at 91.65%. The main reasons mentioned were the lack of funds to visit the hospital (45.25%), perceived non-gravity of the condition (30.73%), and time constraints (28.77%). The top three reasons for self-medication were headache (32.56%), flu-like illness (29.5%), and abdominal pain (26.82%). Analgesics (73.31%), antimalarials (28.93%), and anti-inflammatories (24.71%) were the most commonly used therapeutic classes. Hepatic cytolysis syndrome was found in 19.27% of patients, and kidney failure was noted in 5.46% of patients. Conclusion: Self-medication poses significant dangers when undertaken recklessly, given the inherent risks associated with drugs and the consequences that such risks entail.