Assessing Knowledge and Self-Medication Practices Among Residents of Moriba Town Bo Southern Sierra Leone during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated self-medication (SM) practices worldwide, especially in regions with limited healthcare access, like Moriba Town, Sierra Leone. This study aims to assess knowledge of SM and its causes during the pandemic among residents of Moriba Town.

Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted in Moriba Town, Bo, Southern Sierra Leone. A sample of 246 adult participants was selected using a multistage systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using electronic questionnaires via Kobo-collect and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were employed to explore associations between socio-demographic factors and SM practices.

Results: From the results, 26.02% engaged in SM, with a higher prevalence among females (57.32%). The most common reasons for SM were healthcare facility charges (93.50%), emergency illness (1.63%), and delaying hospital services (0.41%), during the pandemic. Knowledge of SM was generally high, particularly among older age groups and individuals with a business or informal occupation. Amoxicillin (22.36%) and pain relievers (13.82%) were the most self-medicated drugs. Social networks, especially family members (47.17%), were the primary sources of SM information.

Conclusion: SM practices were widespread in Moriba Town during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by economic barriers and limited healthcare access. Despite high knowledge of SM risks, gaps in public understanding of proper medication use were evident. Interventions focusing on healthcare affordability and public education on the safe and proper use of medications are necessary to mitigate inappropriate SM practices in similar settings.

Keywords: Self-medication, COVID-19 pandemic, Healthcare access, Moriba Town, Sierra Leone, Public health interventions.