Self-Medication of Senegalese Women through Social Networks

Abstract

Self-medication is a form of self-care which has evolved considerably with the development of digital technology. It particularly challenges public health actors given the risks to which it may be exposed if it is not properly supervised. The aim of this work was to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Senegalese women on self-medication through social networks. A transversal descriptive study was conducted from June 10 to 30, 2019. It concerned all Senegalese women registered in at least one of the following women’s Facebook groups: Femme chic , Femme leader , Ladies club or Entre yaays . A study information sheet was posted on the wall of these different groups, and enabled consenting women to find a questionnaire deployed online directly through a link. Consenting women were able to complete the data collection tool directly online. The proportions were compared by setting the alpha risk at 5%. A total of 508 women were surveyed. The results thus showed a high prevalence (68.9%) of self-medication. A proportion of 46.3% of those self-medicated used Facebook or the Internet as a source of information to find the drugs to use. The advice received from these groups related to hygiene and dietary measures (96.1%), consultation with health personnel (54.6%), consultation with a traditional healer (50.4%) and taking medication (41.8%). The health problems most treated with these self-medications were headaches ((84.6%) and painful periods (45.1%). Simple analgesics (84.6%) and vitamins (66.9%) were the most recommended drugs, but it was also found antibiotics (40.0%), centrally acting analgesics (20.0%), anti-diabetics (6.9%) and antihypertensive (5.4%). Oral tablets (92.3%) remained the most widely used dosage forms, but eye drops (5.4%) and injectables (5.4%) were also found. Although searching for information on Facebook/internet, women obtained the drugs from pharmacies (72.4%) or the family medicine box (19%). Regarding self-medication on Facebook, its easy accessibility (67.8%) was the main motivation for which women chose it, as well as saving time (33.9%). Advice on health through the Facebook network is important for Senegalese women but taking medication on advice from these forums remains low. A better presence for health actors in social networks is becoming urgent in order to promote responsible self-medication.