Sociocultural variables and drug utilisation among workers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Across human history, medicine (drug) is considered the most essential ingredient in healthcare and wellbeing. Drugs play an indispensable role in the treatment process and have a major impact on patients’ rehabilitation. As illnesses and diseases became complex, the need for complex drugs became inevitable. The emergence of new and improved drugs has led to a significant reduction in mortality rates and congestion in hospitals as well as improved life expectancy, specifically in developed countries. However, wrong prescription or usage of a drug has also been noted to constitute debilitating health challenge to the patients as well as the society. The inevitability of drug use among certain people contributes to inappropriate drug utilisation. This study was aimed to examine sociocultural variables and drug utilisation among workers. Specifically, the study considered religious beliefs, level of education, communication and income level as sociocultural variables to drug utilisation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted using the survey research design that allows for the use of the questionnaire was adopted, while the multistage sampling technique was utilised in selecting respondents for the study. The sample size for the study was 400 workers, determined using Taro Yamani approach. Retrieved data were analysed using the One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.
RESULTS
The result of the study statistically showed a significant relationship between religious beliefs and drug utilisation (*P<0.05; df = 947; Cf = 3.04), level of education and drug utilisation (*P<0.05; df = 722; Cf = 2.62), communication and drug utilisation (P<0.05; df =398; r= 0.96), and income level and drug utilisation (*P<0.05; df = 912; Cf = 0.99) among workers.
CONCLUSION
The sociocultural variables (religious beliefs, educational level, communication and income level) are contributing factors influencing drug utilisation among workers.
This study therefore confirmed that the sampled respondents in this study statistically explain the homogeneity of the variables being investigated.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that the Federal Ministry of Health should in collaboration with religious and traditional leaders sensitise Nigerians on the importance of adhering to medical advice on drug use without violating the tenets of the respective religions and traditions.