Table 4.

Reasons for self-medication in Ghana

Key reasons identified	Studies reporting reason, n (%)
Long waiting time at health facility	11 (73.3)
Previous use of drugs	10 (66.7)
Perceived unserious nature of diseases	8 (53.3)
Drugs affordable	5 (33.3)
High cost of healthcare	5 (33.3)
Long-distance to a health facility	5 (33.3)
Relative/friend’s recommendation	4 (26.7)
For quick relief of symptoms	4 (26.7)
Easy access to drugs	4 (26.7)
Poor healthcare provider behaviour	4 (26.7)
Good knowledge of disease/drug	4 (26.7)
Busy schedule	3 (20.0)
Lack of trust in healthcare workers	2 (13.3)
Negative societal perceptions of the sick	2 (13.3)
For emergencies	1 (6.7)
Convinced by radio/television adverts and drug peddlers	1 (6.7)