SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT ADDIS ABABA BURN EMERGENCY AND TRAUMA HOSPITAL, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, 2025

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background – Self-medication, use of non-prescribed drugs for self-diagnosed situations, was common among healthcare professionals and risks like drug resistance, adverse effects, and misuse. In Ethiopia, including at AaBET Hospital, prevalence was rising, yet data on these practices remain inadequate. Objective- To evaluate self-medication practices and determinant factors among health professionals at AaBET Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025G.C. Methods: - A institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals at AaBET Hospital by using pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Data collection was facilitated by trained nurse, and tool reliability checked by Cronbach’s alpha. Quantitative data analyzed with SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics, logistic regression. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis taken to multivariate, and associations reported using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (p < 0.05). Result: - Among 404 participants, 73.13% of healthcare professionals at AaBET Hospital reported self-medication, reflecting a high prevalence consistent with national and global trends. Most respondents young with mean age 30.2. Significant factors included improper practices (AOR = 3.87), drug dependency (AOR = 3.21), communication issues (AOR = 2.48), ease of access (AOR = 2.89), peer influence (AOR = 3.02), and time-saving motives (AOR = 2.31). Conclusion; - Study at AaBET Hospital found 73.13% prevalence of self-medication among healthcare professionals, aligning with national and global configurations. Significant associated with improper practices (AOR = 3.87), drug dependency (AOR = 3.21), communication issues and negligence (AOR = 2.48), ease of access (AOR = 2.89), peer influence (AOR = 3.02), and time saving motives (AOR = 2.31). Prominent among a young, mostly female, and married workforce. To address this, targeted interventions like medication access, enhanced communication training, and peer-focused awareness programs are recommended. Keywords-Self-medication, determinant factors, health professionals, AaBET Hospital, Ethiopi