EC Pharmacology and Toxicology

Background: Self-medication the use of drugs without professional prescription or guidance has emerged as a growing public health concern, especially in developing nations. Its prevalence poses risks to health systems and population wellbeing.

Objective: This systematic review aims to examine the impact of self-medication practices on public health outcomes between 2015 and 2024, focusing on prevalence, commonly used drug types, and associated health risks in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: Data were synthesized from regional health surveys, World Health Organization (WHO) reports, and peer-reviewed studies. Statistical analyses assessed correlations between health literacy levels and self-medication behaviors across different regions.

Results: The global prevalence of self-medication averages 43%, with rates reaching 71% in parts of Asia and 55% in Sub-Saharan Africa. The most frequently used drugs include antibiotics, analgesics, antimalarials, and herbal preparations. Key drivers of self-medication were identified as limited access to healthcare, economic hardship, cultural beliefs, and weak drug regulation. Significant public health consequences include antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions, delayed disease diagnosis, and increased treatment costs. A strong positive correlation was found between poor health literacy and unsafe self-medication behaviors (r = 0.68, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Self-medication remains a critical global health issue with serious implications for disease management and healthcare systems. The review underscores the need for enhanced pharmacovigilance, stricter regulation of drug sales, and comprehensive public health education to reduce unsafe practices.

Recommendations: An integrated approach combining community awareness, improved healthcare accessibility, and robust policy enforcement is essential to curb the risks associated with self-medication and promote rational drug use.

 Keywords: Self-Medication; Public Health; Antimicrobial Resistance; Drug Misuse; Developing Countries

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