Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Over-the-Counter Drug Use among Market Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, South East Nigeria

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drug use without professional guidance is widespread in informal commercial settings in Nigeria. Market traders, who often rely on non-prescription remedies due to time constraints and cost concerns, represent a vulnerable population with potentially high exposure to drug misuse. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding OTC drug use among traders in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 randomly selected market traders. An interviewer-administered questionnaire explored awareness of OTC drug categories, attitudes towards self-treatment, purchasing habits, and sources of drug information. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS. Results: Approximately 68 percent of respondents reported regularly using OTC drugs without prior professional advice. Knowledge of correct dosing and contraindications was poor in 73 percent of participants. Paracetamol, antacids, and antimalarials were the most commonly self-purchased drugs. Educational level was positively associated with better drug knowledge (p less than 0.05). Conclusion: OTC drug use among Onitsha market traders is prevalent and largely uninformed. Targeted community health education campaigns, particularly in high-density commercial areas, are urgently needed to prevent drug-related harm. Keywords: over-the-counter drugs, self-medication, market traders, Onitsha, drug knowledge