Assessment of the Practice of Ocular Self-Medication among Staff of College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Ocular self-medication practices among academic  and non-academic staff of the College of Health Sciences, Benue State University and factors that led to ocular self-medication were accessed. A population based survey involving 146 respondents was conducted. Respondents were interviewed with the aid of a structured questionnaire composed of closed and open ended questions to collect data on demographics and ocular symptoms and self-medication practices. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the data to generate frequency distribution and percentages. Prevalence of ocular self-medication was 73.96% with painful red eye (40%) being the most common indication for which self-medication was practiced. Among the various drugs used, antibiotic was the commonest eye medication in 81(75%) respondents followed by steroids 17(15.74%). Main factors influencing self-medication were experience from previous ocular episode, the perception that the symptoms were a minor/simple disorder and warranted  no expert care, advice from friends/relatives and long waiting time to access health care. Local patent medicine stores were the main source of drug for ocular self-medication. It is concluded that the practice of ocular self-medication is common among the population interviewed. Adequate health education of the public on the dangers of self diagnosis and treatment, possibly leading to the problem of drug resistance when appropriate indication of the medication is needed should be emphasised.