Authors : Dr. Abubakar Musa; Usman Abba; Zubairu Muhammad; Rilwanu Mohammed

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/y23pjdnz

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4xhnpa26

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb139

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Introduction: Self-medication represents a worldwide public health issue, contributing notably to antimicrobial resistance and negative health effects. Adolescents are especially susceptible. This research sought to establish the prevalence and evaluate the awareness of the hazards linked to self-medication in secondary school students within Tafawa Balewa LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria.  Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in schools with 300 participants chosen through multi-stage sampling from three public secondary schools. Information was gathered via a semi-structured questionnaire administered by interviewers. SPSS version 24.0 was used for analysis, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.  Results: The prevalence of self-medication was notably high at 83%. Although 81% of participants understood the concept of self-medication, awareness of its specific risks was inadequate: 73% did not know about related dangers, 62% were unaware it might result in incorrect diagnosis or treatment, 64% did not recognize its potential to cause drug addiction, 75% were ignorant of possible damage to vital organs, and 57% did not know it could lead to drug resistance. Awareness levels showed no significant variation by age or class but were associated with gender and religious background.  Conclusion: A high occurrence of self-medication exists alongside critically insufficient knowledge of its risks among secondary school students in Tafawa Balewa LGA. There is an urgent need for focused school-based health education initiatives to bridge this awareness gap and reduce related dangers.

Keywords : Prevalence, Awareness, Self-Medication, Secondary School Students, Bauchi.

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