Investigating Self-Medication among Youth in Northern Ghana: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Predictive Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is a growing global public health concern, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), treatment failure, and increased healthcare costs. Despite the vulnerability of young people to self-medication, there is limited research focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the predictors of this behavior in Northern Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 youth aged 15–24 years in the Northern Region of Ghana. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of self-medication. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 59.7%. Painkillers (75%)and herbal remedies (41.7%) were the most commonly used medicines. Although 79.6% recognized the link between frequent self-medication and antimicrobial resistance, only 41.7% reported always completing their medication course. Logistic regression analysis identified several significant predictors of self-medication. Youth aged 20–24 years had higher odds compared to those aged 15–19 years (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.08–2.16). Females were less likely than males to self-medicate (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50–0.93). Respondents with tertiary education had lower odds compared to those with no formal education (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.94). Urban residents were more likely to self-medicate than rural residents (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.13–2.22). Informal workers had increased likelihood compared to students (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.02–2.94), and those without income were more likely to self-medicate compared to those earning at least GHS 200 (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.09–2.41). Higher knowledge scores were protective: moderate knowledge (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.38–0.87) and good knowledge (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.65) significantly reduced the odds of self-medication. Conclusion: Self-medication is common among youth in Northern Ghana, driven by socio-demographic and economic factors despite high awareness of its risks, and addressing it will require stronger prescription regulation, improved youth-friendly health services, and enhanced education on rational drug use to reduce unsafe practices and mitigate the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.