Evaluation of Rational Drug Use Practices in a Rural Community in Cross River State

Irrational drug use in rural communities, where formal healthcare access is limited, perpetuates health risks and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated rational drug use practices in a rural community in Calabar Rural LGA, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 adult household representatives. The WHO/INRUD rational drug use assessment methodology was adapted for community application. Data collected included illness management practices, types of drugs used, drug sources, prescription documentation, and adherence to recommended treatment durations. Results showed that self-treatment without professional consultation was the first response to illness in 71.6 percent of cases. Antibiotics were obtained without prescription from patent medicine dealers in 66.4 percent of antibiotic-using households. Incomplete antibiotic course adherence, defined as stopping treatment once symptoms resolved, was practised by 55.3 percent. Drug disposal practices were poor, with 68.8 percent disposing of unused medicines in household waste. Polypharmacy from self-treatment was identified in 38.4 percent of illness episodes. Community health workers were regarded as more accessible sources of drug information than pharmacists. The study recommends community-level pharmaceutical health education, training and regulation of patent medicine dealers, and integration of rational drug use messages into community health worker programmes in Cross River State.

Keywords: rational drug use, rural community, Cross River State, self-treatment, patent medicine dealer