Silent Killer on Campus: The Increasing Pattern of Self-Medication Among Students – Oghenekobiro

By Ararile Divine Oghenekobiro

Self-medication is becoming an increasing common practice among university students, raising concerns among health professionals who warn that the habit could have serious consequences. Across campuses, many students now prefer to diagnose and treat themselves or feel the medication they take previously could be used again for other purposes rather than seek professional medical attention, often citing financial difficulties, busy schedules, and easy access to drugs as reasons for their actions.

Investigations conducted by this reporter reveals that self-medication has become a widespread culture among students and youth with many relying on recommendations from friends, social media, or previous prescriptions to treat illnesses ranging from headaches and malaria to infections and stomach-related ailments.

Speaking with Egbamiye Regina,
a 200-level student of Journalism and Media studies, Delta State University, Abraka, admitted that she often purchases medication without consulting a doctor.
“Most students don’t have enough money to visit hospitals every time they feel sick. When I experience symptoms that seem familiar, I simply buy drugs from a pharmacy or a near by medicine store. It saves time and money,” she said.

Although she acknowledged the risks involved, she maintained that many students see self-medication as the most convenient option available to them.

Similarly, Jacob Victory, a 200-level student of SLT department, explained that academic pressure often discourages students from seeking medical attention or having time to visit the hospital to meet with a medical personnel.
“Sometimes we are occupied with classes, assignments, and many others to meet with deadlines. Going through the process of visiting the school clinic can be stressful and time-consuming. Many students just buy drugs based on what worked for them previously,” he stated.

According to a lecturer Mrs Edoh Doreen in Delta State University, also stated that self-medication remains one of the leading contribution to drug misuse among young people. However the major danger is that students often assume that they know what is wrong with them. Symptoms of different illnesses can appear similar. Treating the wrong condition can worsen the patient’s health and delay proper treatment,” she explained.

Health experts, however, warn that such practices can lead to dangerous outcomes.
Pharmacists also shared similar concerns about the trend.

Pharmacist Michael Adesina revealed that students frequently request and what to purchase medications without undergoing proper test to know the real reason for the medication.
“We see students every day requesting drugs based on symptoms alone. While some cases may appear minor, others require medical evaluation.

Self-medication can mask serious illnesses and create additional complications,” he said.
He emphasized the need for greater awareness campaigns on campuses to educate students about the dangers associated with indiscriminate drug use.

Another medical personnel who owns a pharmaceutical company said “self medication is a plague in our society.”

Most times, you see people come into the pharmacy to get medications, for example, one need pain relief, and they get Diclofenac, Ibruprofen and paracetamol which fall under the same class of drugs called NSAIDS over time this kind of self medication capsule can lead to ulceration and risks to the health of the patient. What about antibiotic misuse where you see a patient who is supposed to use protection while carrying out his or her sexual escapades will come and buy Ampiclox beecham and say it will flush their system of any infection which is a big lie. Firstly, this patient has just started a journey of antibiotics resistance by misusing the Ampiclox..etc

Experts believe several factors are fueling the growing culture of self-medication among students. These include the rising cost of healthcare, lack of health insurance coverage, fear of hospital expenses, academic commitments, and unrestricted access to certain medications.

Public health advocates are therefore calling on tertiary institutions to strengthen healthcare services within their campuses. They argue that affordable and accessible medical facilities could significantly reduce the number of students resorting to self-diagnosis and treatment.

As self-medication continues to gain popularity among students, health professionals warn that what appears to be a quick solution today may become a serious health crisis tomorrow. They urge students to prioritize professional medical consultation and proper diagnosis before taking any medication.

For many observers, the growing pattern of self-medication among students is a silent threat one that continues to spread across campuses with potentially dangerous consequences for individual and public health.