MEDIA INFLUENCE ON SELF-MEDICATIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Self-medication has become the norm in many nations, including Nigeria.
This is due to the continuous dominance of media, which allows forums for people to assess
information about their health concerns readily. The study's goal is to assess media and
influence on self-medication in Nigeria, with lessons from Oshimili South Local Government
Area, Delta State. A cross-sectional survey design with a multistage sampling technique was
used. A total of 380 respondents aged 18 years and older were randomly selected, and data
were collected via a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The acquired data were
presented and evaluated via descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequency
distribution tables, and charts. The interviews were transcribed and evaluated via thematic
data analysis. The findings revealed that the media play a significant role in self-medication,
since many people seek medical information on the internet via Google. These findings
suggest that the government regulates the production, marketing, and advertising of both
over-the-counter (OTC) and nonprescription pharmaceuticals.