Assessment of self-medication practices in the context of Covid-19 outbreak in Togo

Abstract Background: To date, there is no effective treatment for Covid-19 which is a pandemic due to a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. In Togo, where four in five people practice self-medication, the absence of a cure for Covid-19 and its constant progression requires an assessment of self-medication patterns in the context of the pandemic. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of self-medication to prevent Covid-19 and its associated factors in Lomé, Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lomé, capital city of Togo, from April 23rd to May 8th, 2020 in a sample of participants from five sectors: healthcare, air transport, police, road transport and informal. Participants were invited to give information about their self-medication practices to prevent Covid-19 within the two weeks preceding the survey. Results: A total of 955 participants (71.6% of men) with a median age of 36 (IQR 32–43) were included. Around 22.1% were in the air transport sector, 20.5% in police, and 38.7% in the health sector. The overall prevalence of self-medication to prevent Covid-19 was 34.2% (95CI%: 31.2-37.3%). Most commonly used products were vitamin C (27.6%) and traditional medicine (10.2%). Only 2.0% of participants reported using Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine. Female sex (aOR=1.90; p<0.001), working in the health sector (aOR=1.89; p= 0.001), secondary education level (aOR= 2.28; p= 0.043) and university education level (aOR= 5.11; p<0.001) were associated with self-medication. Conclusion: One third of high-risk populations in Lomé have practiced self-medication. Intensifying awareness campaigns is crucial to fight misinformation about alleged Covid-19 prevention products on social media.