ArticlePloS one2026
Self-medication practice with anti-malarial drugs and its associated factors among patients with fever attending public health facilities in Dera District, Northwest Ethiopia.
Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundThe issue of self-medication with anti-malarial drugs is a critical public health challenge. Despite national guidelines promoting diagnostic-confirmed treatment, evidence addressing the prevalence of self-medication with anti-malarial drugs and drivers in Ethiopia is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to bridge this gap and to provide meaningful insights into ongoing efforts to curb the misuse of anti-malarial drugs and helping the strategy of malaria eliminationby investigating the prevalence of self-medication with anti-malaria drugs and its associated factors.
methodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dera District, Northwest Ethiopia, from June 1-30, 2025. A total of 591 febrile patients were selected using a stratified multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through interviewer-administered structured questionnaires developed by reviewing different related literatures. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi-Data version 4.6 and STATA 17. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with self-medication. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.
resultThe prevalence of self-medication with anti-malarial drugs was 42.8% (95% CI: 38.9%-46.8%). Factors positively associated with self-medication included: monthly income of ≥5000 ETB (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.04-2.59), poor knowledge about malaria (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.12-2.55), poor risk perception towards self-medication (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.40-3.14), and distance ≤5 km from private drug sellers (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.10-2.47). Community-based health insurance membership was negatively associated with self-medication (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41-0.88).
conclusionSelf-medication with anti-malarial drugs was moderate (33.4%_66.6%) in the study area based on percentile classification. The findings highlighted the need for designing different strategies to reduce inappropriate drug use and promoting community-based health insurance enrollment.
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