Labour and Survival: Investigating self Medication among Market Women in Ado Ekiti Metropolis

The physical rigour of trade in traditional open markets within African cites is enormous. In order to cope with these demands, market women engage in self medication (through quack pharmacists) as a fast and ‘effective’... [ view full abstract ]

The physical rigour of trade in traditional open markets within African cites is enormous. In order to cope with these demands, market women engage in self medication (through quack pharmacists) as a fast and ‘effective’ means of addressing these physical demands. This study investigated self medication among market women in Ado Ekiti metropolis. A total of 130 copies of questionnaires were purposively distributed among 130 female traders that engage in this practice and complemented with 5 IDI sessions. Findings revealed that more than half (54.6%) of the respondents had primary and secondary education respectively. Equally, 78.9% of the respondents are aware of what self medication connotes and the risks associated with it. Majority of the respondents claimed they purchase particular medicines from quack pharmacists mainly to treat malaria, headache and body pains. On factors responsible for the practice of self medication, majority of the respondents attributed it to easy access (proximity to their shops), cost and effectiveness of the medicines. As regards how they ascertain the safety of the medicines they buy, 34% attributed it to trust, referrals from fellow marketers (47.2%) sticking to a particular brand of medicines and through religious means. They were also asked on why they do not go to certified health practitioners, 55% attributed it to waste of time; 34 attributed it to cost, while the rest claimed that their ailment did not require a visit to the hospital. Chi-square test further showed no significant relationship between income, education and self medication.
Keyword: Urban health Economy and health gender