SynthesisBMC public health2025
The nature of self-medication in Uganda: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 14 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
14 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Strengthening Community Antimicrobial Stewardship in Africa: A Systematic Review of the Roles, Challenges, and Opportunities of Community Health and Animal Health Workers.Wellcome open research · 2025Pooled it
- Challenges and coping experiences in caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in central region, Ghana.BMC psychology · 2026Article
- The Global Impact of Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance: Addressing Gaps and Future Strategies.Public health challenges · 2026Article
- Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and risk factors of pneumococcal disease among preschool children in Bushenyi District, Uganda.BMC infectious diseases · 2026Article
- Essential medicines out of reach: a cross-sectional study of community-level access in Eastern Uganda.BMC health services research · 2026Article
- Prevalence and Determinants of Self‑Medication Among Adult Outpatients in a Rural Health Facility in Northern Uganda: A Cross‑Sectional Study.Patient preference and adherence · 2026Article
- Prevalence and Associated Factors of Self-Medication Among Adults With Hypertension in Central Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.International journal of hypertension · 2026Article
- Self-care strategies and interventions to address antimicrobial resistance: evidence review and recommendations for national programs, service providers, caregivers, and self-carers.Frontiers in public health · 2026Review
- Knowledge, attitude, and self-medication practices among healthcare students from the metropolitan City of South India.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Regulatory gaps in over-the-counter antifungal access for vulvovaginal candidiasis in Uganda: A policy analysis framework.IJID regions · 2025Article
- Analysis of human disease burden, determinants of treatment costs and affordability perceptions in the Rwenzori region, Uganda using DALYs, OLS and Bayesian regression.Cost effectiveness and resource allocation : C/E · 2025Article
- Resolution of signs and symptoms of illnesses among self-medicating undergraduate students of Mbarara University of Science and Technology: a cross-sectional study.Journal of pharmaceutical health care and sciences · 2025Article
- Status and implications of the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards AWaRe antibiotic use, resistance and stewardship among low- and middle-income countries.JAC-antimicrobial resistance · 2025Review
- Self-Medication Practices in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical AssociationArticle
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundIn Uganda, many people self-medicate and the practice raises important questions about access to healthcare, patient choices, and the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication in Uganda.
methodsWe searched Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases, WHO AFRO, UNIPH registries, and Google Scholar search engine from inception to November 2024 using the algorithm "Self-Medication" AND "Uganda". Twenty-two eligible studies were included while adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA).
resultsA total of 9113 participants were represented across different demographics and regions of Uganda. Our analysis revealed a 55.63% (95%CI [40.40; 70.66] pooled prevalence of self-medication in Uganda. Antibiotics are the commonly self-medicated drugs and ease of access to medications, perceived cost effectiveness, long hospital waiting time, home storage of drugs (leftovers), and perceptions of minor illnesses were key contributors to self-medication behaviour.
conclusionAt least 1 in 2 Ugandans self-medicate and antibiotics constitute the dominant self-medicated drugs compounding the situation in an era of antimicrobial resistance. Awareness campaigns on the dangers of self-medication will be timely.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.