ABSTRACT

Ocular self-medication which involves the use of topical medications to the eye without the input of a qualified doctor is a public health concern. Some of the reported  risks associated with ocular self-medication include: microbial resistance, corneal opacities, irreversible blindness, among others. Hence, it is necessary the investigate its prevalence to develop strategies to educate the general public on the dangers of ocular self-medication. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ocular self-medication among the University of Benin Students.  Data was analyzed and collected using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 software, alongside the Chi-square test.A total of  465 students between 16-30 years of age with  mean age of 20.65 ± 2.186 years who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study. Results from the study revealed that the prevalence of ocular self-medication was 26.5%. (The prevalence between males and females was 27.6% and 25.7% respectively) Association between gender and ocular self-medication was not statically significant x2( 2, N=465; 0.343 p=0.842). Itchy eyes was the most common symptom that led to the practice of self-medication. Topical preparations employed include: Decongestants, Antibiotics, Antibiotic-steroid combination, Anti-allergy, Artificial tears,  and Anti-glaucoma eyedrops. The economic/socioeconomic factors that led to the practice were easy accessibility, time  saving, low cost , distance from clinic, long waiting times at clinic, among others. The study showed that a significant proportion of the University of Benin students engaged in the practice of ocular self-medication. Practical steps should therefore be taken to educate the student population and general public at large about safe drug practices through eye health education, promotion and campaigns.

Keywords: Prevalence, Ocular self-medication, University of Benin students.