JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISEASES
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2705-2214
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JPHD
Start Year: 2018
Email: jphd@integrityresjournals.org
Impact of educational interventions and/or counselling on self-medication practices in low- and middle-income countries: A structured literature review
https://doi.org/10.31248/JPHD2025.157 | Article Number: 75302E4E2 | Vol.7 (4) - August 2025
Received Date: 30 May 2025 | Accepted Date: 27 August 2025 | Published Date: 30 August 2025
Authors: Kehinde A. Ganiyu* and Abisoye S. Oyeyemi
Keywords: Counselling, educational interventions, health outcomes, low- and medium-outcome countries (LMICs), self-medication practices.
This study evaluated the impact of educational interventions and/or counselling on self-medication practices among individuals aged 18 and above in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through a quantitative structured literature review (SLR). Evidence from LMICs indicates that such interventions may effectively address issues related to self-medication, but a comprehensive synthesis is necessary to guide future strategies and policymaking. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, using predefined search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Studies published in English from 2013 to 2023 were considered, and eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions assessed ranged from drug information and one-on-one counselling to structured health education sessions, some of which were supplemented with printed materials and follow-up phone calls. These interventions led to improved knowledge regarding self-medication, reduced engagement in unsafe self-medication practices, and a lower incidence of certain illnesses and medication-related side effects. The effectiveness of these strategies was influenced by variables such as geographic location, participants’ educational levels, the duration of the intervention, and funding availability. Overall, the findings suggest that well-structured educational and counselling efforts can significantly mitigate the adverse outcomes associated with self-medication in LMICs. Nonetheless, future research should take into account local economic realities and national medication use policies to enhance both the contextual relevance and long-term sustainability of such interventions.
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