Prevalence and determinants of self-medication among dermatology patients in Northwest Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study

Self-medication is increasingly practiced in patients seeking relief from their dermatological conditions. Globally, self-medication is a common practice in dermatology where many individuals use over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and home remedies without consulting a dermatologist. This practice may have potential risks, including misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, increased chances of microbial resistance to antibiotics, severe adverse effects, and possible exacerbation of their conditions. Although there were several studies in the general population in our country, Ethiopia, regarding self-medication, there was a scarcity of data focusing specifically on dermatology patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among dermatology patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2025. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 418 study participants using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire by four trained dermatology residents. Collected data were entered into Epi Info 7 and exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was employed to show the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The bivariable logistic analysis was used first to determine the association between dependent and independent variables, and then multivariable logistic regression models were used for further analysis of variables and to control for confounding factors. Interpretation was made using an adjusted odds ratio with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. Variables having p-values < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered significantly associated with self-medication. Among 418 dermatology patients attending dermatology OPD, 188/418 (45%) (95% CI = 40.2% to 49.7% ) was practiced self-medication. Duration of their dermatologic condition more than 12 months (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.24–3.73), although the association was borderline Participants who traveled 30–100 km (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.00–4.09), and longer distance of traveling to visit a dermatologist ( more than 100 km) (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI = 2.24–9.10) were factors significantly associated with self-medication for their dermatologic condition. Self-medication was reported by approximately 45% of dermatology patients in this study, indicating a substantial burden of the practice. Longer duration of dermatologic illness and longer travel distance to dermatologic services were independently associated with self-medication. Strengthening patient education and improving access to dermatologic care may help reduce inappropriate self-medication practices.