CHAPTER ONE

1. 1. Introduction /Background Of Study

The concept of road side medication has gained universal acceptance as it encourages an individual to treat minor illness with respective and simple remedies (Afolabi, 2020). It’s even promoted so as to have self belief in preventive, curative and rehabilitation care (Abosede, 2020). According to World Self Medication Industry (2019), roadside medication is one of the most essential tools used by a person suffering from a Common illness, which does not necessitate doctor’s visit. It is usually considered as first choice remedy for early disease symptoms and is a part of patient’s medical behavior (Klemene-Ketvs etal, 2021). Roadside medication can potentially do well and also harm people. This is especially significant in those countries where prescription drugs are available over the counter (OTC) due to lack of enforcement of regulation.

An amplified risk of worsening of existing illness pathology as well as risk of interactions between prescription medicine and hidden active ingredients of OTC drugs always present with roadside medication (Choonora, etal, 2019). Improper practice of roadside medication due to deficiency in knowledge can lead to side effects especially in physiological conditions like location, and pregnancy, and in extreme ages, such as children and old age people (Murray etal, 2020).

The involvement in the sale of roadside medication is a practice which started long ago and is currently still going on today in the world. Seldom do we fine an individual who had never been involved in the purchase of roadside pharmaceutical medication for treatment of mild to severe symptoms of common ailment, either in case of emergency or chronic ailments. Nowadays the sale of roadside medication and self-medication has been part of mankind from one generation to another. Forty thousand three hundred and ninety three (40,393) people died world consumption of roadside medications. In an estimated 2.5 million people visit to emergency department in US hospital was associated with drugs also involve in over 1.4 million people (Centre of Disease Control (CDC), 2019).

In spite of the above short comings in knowledge individual altitude towards the consumption of roadside medication has not diminished as can has been seen from various studies conducted Worldwide which reveal prevalence which ranges from 60 to 70% (Awad et al, 2020). For instance, in the study of market women in a sub urban community of Lagos Nigeria reported 95-98% of market women consumed roadside medications. (Omolase et al, 2020) established that 78% of ophthalmic patients reported to have consumed roadside medication.

In Cameroon, prescription of medication is available without physician’s prescription as OTC, which magnifies all problems associated with OTC drugs (Huseain et al, 2019). It is often easier to avoid the cost and hassle of visiting a doctor and use OTC to alleviate the symptoms of an illness. Unfortunately, there are consequences associated with roadside medication that are just not worth the risks. It is always best to discuss with a trained medical professional. Getting a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan is the best way to avoid any complication or health risks.

Cameroon is on the way to become a dumping ground for contraband and expired drugs that are harmful and detrimental to the health of the consumers (Molo et al, 2019). In other words the prevalence of roadside medication among urban and rural population of Cameroon is alarming.

 Most research on roadside medication focused on the incidences prevalence and the dangers of roadside medications neglecting the aspect of the awareness of the population on the danger of roadside medication. Therefore, the aim of the Mile 2 inhabitants on the dangers of roadside medication

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Research has shown that many people are hospitalized worldwide while others die due to the consumption of roadside medications. This is seen from studies conducted where Forty thousand three hundred and ninety three (40393) people died worldwide as a result of too much consumption of roadside medications while 2.5 million people visited emergency department in U.S hospital. All these reasons were associated with the consumption of roadside medication (CDC, 2021).

The investigator witnessed a case in his neighborhood where a young girl of over 23 years old lost her life in the process while committing abortion as she used some unknown over the counter medications to terminate her pregnancy. In addition the investigator experienced another case in the Limbe Regional Hospital in July 2020 while on clinical experience where a man of over 50years old was diagnosed of liver cirrhosis due to prolong consumption of contraband and expired roadside drugs.

 Furthermore, while on clinical experience in the Regina Pacis Health Centre (RPHC) in Mutengene. The investigator came across a woman who was diagnose of bilateral over ton tube blockage due to excess consumption of roadside medication.

As a result, she was later operated upon. She later on said that she has never been to the hospital and prefer to buy her drugs from the roadside no matter the severity of her illness. She said that rushed to the hospital due to severe stomach ache and pain after taken some unknown roadside medications.

Despite the dangers associated with roadside medications, the rate of consumption still continue to increase. It is for these reasons that the investigator decided to carry out this present study to investigate the awareness of the Mile 2 inhabitants on the dangers of roadside medications.

1.3research Objectives

1.3.1. General Objectives

To investigate the awareness of the dangers associated with roadside medication among Mile 2 Inhabitants.

1.3.2. Specific Objectives

• To assess the knowledge of the Mile 2 inhabitants on roadside medications.
• To find out whether Mile 2 inhabitants use roadside medications
• To investigate if the inhabitant of Mile 2 knows the dangers of roadside medications.
• To create awareness of the inhabitants of the Mile 2 community

1.4. Research Question

Are the inhabitants of Mile 2   community aware of the dangers of roadside medications?

1.4.1. Specific Research Questions

• Do Mile 2 inhabitants know what roadside medication is?
• Are roadside medications used in Mile 2?
• Are the inhabitants of Mile 2 aware of the dangers of roadside medication?
• What reasons are associated with the consumption of roadside medication?