DEPARMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

BACKGROUND: Patent medicine stores and vendors frequently serve as the first point of care for many individuals across Nigeria, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. Although measures exist to regulate their practices, their widespread utilisation for primary health services remains a major public health consideration. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the utilisation of patent medicine stores and vendors (PMVs) for health services among residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. Respondents were selected using a multi-sampling method. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The mean age of respondents was 29.0±13.5 years, with 304 (55.3%) females and 392 (71.3%) single. Regarding types of health services utilised, malaria treatment was the most frequently sought service 507 (92.2%), followed by headache or pain relief 463 (84.2%) and fever management 441 (80.2%). In contrast, services such as family planning 111 (20.2%), reproductive health advice 111 (20.2%), and treatment of sexually transmitted infections 63 (11.5%) were markedly underutilised. Perceived benefits of PMV patronage included shorter waiting times 407 (74.0%), closer proximity 394 (71.6%), and extended operating hours 339 (61.6%), while major perceived risks were delay in proper medical care 277 (50.4%), sale of medicines without prescription 257 (46.7%), and insufficient vendor training 249 (45.3%). Factors significantly associated with utilisation were proximity to home 385 (70.0%), extended operating hours 341 (62.0%), previous positive experience 338 xvii (61.5%), and cost of services 324 (58.9%). Overall, 364 (66.2%) respondents were satisfied with PMV services, with male residents demonstrating significantly higher satisfaction 180 (73.2%) and willingness to recommend 194 (78.9%) than females with 184 (60.5%) and 193 (63.5%,) respectively. CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents utilised patent medicine stores for health services, with malaria treatment being the most sought-after care. Accessibility and convenience were the primary drivers of this health-seeking behavior, despite a clear awareness of clinical risks. Satisfaction remained high, especially among male residents. Formal integration, targeted training, and strengthened regulatory oversight are urgently needed to improve the safety and quality of care provided by PMVs.

BACKGROUND: Patent medicine stores and vendors frequently serve as the first point of care for many individuals across Nigeria, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. Although measures exist to regulate their practices, their widespread utilisation for primary health services remains a major public health consideration. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the utilisation of patent medicine stores and vendors
(PMVs) for health services among residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. Respondents were selected using a multi-sampling method. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The mean age of respondents was 29.0±13.5 years, with 304 (55.3%) females and 392 (71.3%) single. Regarding types of health services utilised, malaria treatment was the most frequently sought service 507 (92.2%), followed by headache or pain relief 463 (84.2%) and fever management 441 (80.2%). In contrast, services such as family planning 111 (20.2%), reproductive health advice 111 (20.2%), and treatment of sexually transmitted infections 63 (11.5%) were markedly underutilised. Perceived benefits of PMV patronage included shorter waiting times 407 (74.0%), closer proximity 394 (71.6%), and extended operating hours 339 (61.6%), while major perceived risks were delay in proper medical care 277 (50.4%), sale of medicines without prescription 257 (46.7%), and insufficient vendor training 249 (45.3%). Factors significantly associated with utilisation were proximity to home 385 (70.0%), extended operating hours 341 (62.0%), previous positive experience 338 (61.5%), and cost of services 324 (58.9%). Overall, 364 (66.2%) respondents were satisfied with PMV services, with male residents demonstrating significantly higher satisfaction 180 (73.2%) and willingness to recommend 194 (78.9%) than females with 184 (60.5%) and 193 (63.5%,) respectively.
CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents utilised patent medicine stores for health services, with malaria treatment being the most sought-after care. Accessibility and convenience were the primary drivers of this health-seeking behaviour, despite a clear awareness of clinical risks. Satisfaction remained high, especially among male residents. Formal integration, targeted training, and strengthened regulatory oversight are urgently needed to improve the safety and quality of care provided by PMVs.

Background: Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in Nigeria. The introduction of malaria vaccines (RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M) offers a promising complementary intervention. However, vaccine acceptance is critically dependent on caregivers' knowledge and perceptions—factors that remain poorly characterized in Benin City, Edo State. Objective: To assess the knowledge, perception, acceptance, and factors influencing acceptance of malaria vaccines among caregivers of under-five children in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2024 to May 2026 among 426 caregivers of under-five children selected through a multi- stage sampling technique in Ekosodin community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Benin City. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed using a 12-point scoring system (categorized as good: ≥50%), perception using a 10-item Likert scale (positive: >60%), and acceptance as willingness to vaccinate. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0; bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.2±10.4 years; the majority were female (68.1%), married (67.1%), and had secondary education (43.7%). While awareness of malaria was universal (99.8%), only 44.1% had heard of the malaria vaccine, and overall good knowledge of the vaccine was poor (20.2%). Positive perception toward the malaria vaccine was high (84.7%). Willingness to accept the vaccine was 73.5%, although actual uptake remained low (11.5%). Fear of adverse reactions (82.3%) was the predominant reason for refusal. Significant predictors of good vaccine knowledge included tertiary education (AOR=4.84; 95% CI: 2.67–8.77; p=0.001) and ever-married status (AOR=2.40; 95% CI: 1.09–5.26; p=0.030). Positive perception was strongly associated with Christian religious affiliation (AOR=7.37; 95% CI: 3.10–17.54; p<0.001). The strongest independent predictor of willingness to accept the malaria vaccine was positive perception (AOR=7.39; 95% CI: 3.87–14.12; p<0.001), followed by good knowledge of the vaccine (AOR=2.87; 95% CI: 1.24–6.63; p=0.014). Increasing age was associated with reduced willingness (AOR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.95–1.00; p=0.046). Conclusion: Despite favorable perception and high willingness to accept malaria vaccines among caregivers in Benin City, significant gaps exist in knowledge and awareness. Perception emerged as the strongest driver of acceptance, while educational status and marital status influenced knowledge. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted health education interventions, particularly leveraging healthcare professionals as trusted information sources, to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and optimize malaria vaccine uptake in this setting. Keywords: Malaria vaccine, knowledge, perception, acceptance, caregivers, under-five children, Benin City, Nigeria.

Introduction: Occupational hazards remain a major public health concern, particularly in manufacturing industries where workers are exposed to physical, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks. Despite existing global and national regulations aimed at ensuring workplace safety, such as those guiding occupational health practices, these hazards persist, especially in developing countries due to poor compliance and underreporting, thus this study assessed occupational health hazards and safety practices among workers of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Benin City, Edo State. Objective: This study was conducted to assess occupational hazards and safety practices among workers in Seven-Up Bottling Company, Benin City, identify the common occupational health hazards present and factors predisposing workers to these hazards, with the goal of guiding targeted prevention and occupational health promotion to reduce workplace risks. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 workers selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer- administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize data, while Chi- square test and binary logistic regression were used to determine associations and predictors at a 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of respondents was 32.7 ± 8.1 years. Most respondents were males, 71 (67.6%), and were between 20–29 years, 45 (42.9%). Common occupational hazards identified included psychological stress, awkward posture, repetitive movements, noise exposure, slippery floors, moving machinery without adequate guards, and glass bottle explosions. More than half of the respondents, 58 (55.2%), demonstrated poor safety practices, while 47 (44.8%) had good safety practices. Department/unit was significantly associated with the level of safety practice (p < 0.001). Additionally, 42 (40.0%) of respondents sustained work-related injuries in the last 12 months. Among those injured, cuts and lacerations from broken glass or metal were the most common

Background: Family planning is a critical component of reproductive health, yet male involvement in family planning activities remains limited in many low- and middle-income settings. In Nigeria, the contraceptive prevalence rate among married women is only 20%, and men continue to be underrepresented in reproductive health programmes despite their significant influence as household decision-makers. Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State reflects these broader national challenges, with inadequate knowledge, socio- cultural barriers, and low male participation identified as key drivers of poor family planning outcomes. Few studies have specifically assessed male involvement using a composite multi￾indicator approach in this setting. Objectives: To assess male involvement in family planning activities in Ovia North East LGA, Edo State. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Four hundred and eight (408) adult men in stable sexual relationships or marriages were selected from communities across Ovia North East LGA using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. A composite ten-indicator score was used to classify male involvement as high (score ≥ 7 out of 10) or low. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 408 men participated with a response rate of 100%. The mean age (SD) was 42.7 ± 11.4 years. Most respondents were married 308 (75.5%), predominantly Christian 384 (94.1%), with tertiary education accounting for 203 (49.7%) and the majority belonging to the middle socioeconomic class 312 (76.5%). Of the 408 respondents, 363 (89.0%) had heard of family planning; health workers 195 (53.7%), radio or television 193 (53.2%), and friends or relatives 191 (52.6%) were the most common sources. Overall, 262 (72.2%) of those who had heard of family planning had good knowledge, while 101 (27.8%) had poor knowledge. Being married was the only independent predictor of poor knowledge (OR = 0.466, 95% CI: 0.232–0.934, p = 0.031). Nearly all respondents 391 (95.8%) had a positive attitude towards family planning. Christianity was the strongest independent predictor of positive attitude (OR = 9.086, 95% CI: 2.066–39.953, p = 0.003), followed by nuclear family type (OR = 6.530, 95% CI: 1.400–30.467, p = 0.017). Slightly more than half 226 (55.4%) xiv had discussed family planning with their partner, and most 325 (79.7%) approved of their partner using a method, but only 112 (27.5%) had accompanied their partner to a health facility. Less than half 176 (43.1%) were currently using any family planning method, with condoms 111 (63.1%) and withdrawal 83 (47.2%) being the most common methods; vasectomy remained virtually unused 1 (0.6%). Nuclear family type was the only independent predictor of current family planning use (OR = 1.878, 95% CI: 1.007–3.500, p = 0.047). Knowledge of service location (χ² = 30.702, p < 0.001) and perceived affordability (χ² = 28.824, p < 0.001) were the most strongly associated factors with current use, while cultural or religious beliefs were a significant barrier (χ² = 6.111, p = 0.013). Regarding male involvement, 160 (39.2%) were classified as having high involvement and 248 (60.8%) low involvement. The most commonly met indicator was considering family planning a joint responsibility 376 (92.2%), while community participation in health talks was the least met 107 (26.2%). Education (χ² = 42.035, p < 0.001), occupation (χ² = 32.673, p < 0.001), socioeconomic status (χ² = 38.636, p < 0.001), marriage type (p = 0.014), and family type (p = 0.020) were significantly associated with male involvement. Health worker discussion of family planning was the strongest independent predictor of high involvement (OR = 5.768, 95% CI: 3.366–9.885, p < 0.001), followed by good knowledge (OR = 2.028, 95% CI: 1.137– 3.619, p = 0.017) and upper class socioeconomic status (OR = 27.794, 95% CI: 2.358– 327.618, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Nearly three-quarters of men in Ovia North East LGA had good knowledge of family planning and almost all demonstrated a positive attitude. However, slightly less than two-fifths had high overall involvement, and less than half were currently using any family planning method. Health worker engagement emerged as the most powerful modifiable predictor of high involvement. Health authorities should institutionalise routine male family planning counselling at all primary health centres, expand male-targeted community outreach, and engage religious and traditional leaders to create an enabling environment for active male participation in family planning.

Background: Traditional health practices (THP) remain prevalent among women of reproductive age in Nigeria, often intersecting with modern healthcare utilization. In Nigeria, the use of traditional medicine is deeply embedded in cultural and social life, and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to its associated risks. Egor Local Government Area of Edo State reflects these broader national challenges, with cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and limited access to modern healthcare identified as key drivers of THP utilization. Few studies have specifically assessed THP utilization using a comprehensive multi-dimensional approach in this urban Nigerian setting. Objectives: This study assessed the types of traditional health practices, providers, perceived benefits and risks including the factors associated with its use among women of reproductive age in Egor LGA, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Six hundred and thirty- six women of reproductive age (15–49 years) residing in selected communities across Egor LGA were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 636 women participated with a response rate of 100%. The mean age of respondents fell within the 15 – 25 years age group, and most were married 296 (46.5%), predominantly Christian 559 (87.9%), with tertiary education accounting for 352 (55.4%) and the majority engaged in trading or self-employment (43.4%). Overall, 236 (37.1%) reported utilizing THP within the preceding 12 months. Herbal preparation was the most widely used practice 209 (88.6%), followed by traditional birth attendant 69 (29.2%). Among the respondents 313 (49.2%) perceived THP as beneficial, while 316 (49.7%) regarded THP methods as safe. However, 44 (18.6%) reported adverse effects, most commonly stillbirth 17 (38.6%), and 34 (77.3%) sought medical care following complications. Marital status (χ² = 115.783, p < 0.001), educational level (χ² = 58.495, p < 0.001), religion (χ² = 21.043, p < 0.001), and monthly income (χ² = 48.243, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with THP utilization. Cost of modern healthcare was the predominant factor associated with traditional health practices

BACKGROUND
Childhood diarrhoea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children, especially in low-resource settings where poor sanitation, limited access to safe water, and inappropriate home care practices persist.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed household management of childhood diarrhoea in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, in order to provide evidence for interventions that will improve home-based care and reduce complications among under-five children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 caregivers of under-five children residing in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires adapted from United Nations Children's Fund and World Health Organization tools on childhood diarrhoea management. Data collected were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.050 and 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
Mean age of respondents studied was 39.2 ± 10.6 years, and the majority were females 371 (85.1%). More than half of caregivers 232 (53.2%) correctly defined diarrhoea as passage of three or more loose or watery stools in 24 hours, while 228 (52.3%) identified danger signs of dehydration. Almost half of the under-five children 212 (48.6%) had experienced diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey, and 101 (47.6%) of these passed stool three times or more in 24 hours. Blood in stool was reported in 56 (26.4%) of diarrhoeal episodes. In the six months preceding the study, 143 (32.8%) had experienced two episodes of diarrhoea, while 104 (23.9%) had experienced three or more episodes. Utilization of recommended management options was poor, with only about one-quarter of caregivers giving oral rehydration solution during diarrhoeal episodes and an even smaller proportion giving zinc. Feeding practices were also suboptimal, as slightly more than half of caregivers had poor feeding practices during diarrhoea. Furthermore, family type (χ² = 14.685; p < 0.001), monthly income (χ² = 7.430; p = 0.024), household size (χ² = 6.867; p = 0.009), and spouse occupation skill level (χ² = 4.844; p = 0.028) were identified as significant factors associated with household management of childhood diarrhoea.
CONCLUSION
Childhood diarrhoea was common among under-five children in Ovia North East LGA, with many children experiencing recent and recurrent episodes. Care-seeking practices among caregivers were suboptimal, as delays in seeking appropriate healthcare and reliance on non recommended treatment sources were observed. Utilization of recommended home
management options, particularly Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation, was poor, while feeding and fluid practices during diarrhoeal episodes were inadequate among many caregivers. Household management of childhood diarrhoea was significantly influenced by socioeconomic and family-related factors such as family type, monthly income, household size, and spouse occupation skill level. These findings highlight the need for targeted health education, improved access to ORS and zinc, promotion of appropriate feeding practices, and strengthened water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions to reduce the burden of childhood diarrhoea among under-five children.

Background: Patient safety is a fundamental pillar of healthcare quality, yet preventable adverse events contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Clinical students actively participate in patient care, making their understanding and practice of safety principles critical to preventing institutional errors. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes regarding patient safety and evaluated the patient safety culture (PSC) practices among clinical students at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted between April 2025 and April 2026 among 637 clinical students across five disciplines (Medicine, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, and Paramedics) selected via stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a modified questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), while qualitative data were gathered via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression. Qualitative transcripts underwent thematic analysis. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 23.41 \pm 2.08 years, with a slight female predominance (52.1%). A significant majority (75.0%) possessed good overall knowledge of patient safety principles, with the highest domain scores in the systems view of errors (84.3%). Moving to the senior 600 level (AOR: 2.370, p = 0.045) and receiving prior formal x safety training (AOR: 1.850, p = 0.004) were independent predictors of good knowledge. Conversely, spending >12 hours a day in the hospital nearly halved the odds of maintaining good knowledge (AOR: 0.534, p = 0.031). Attitudes were overwhelmingly favorable, with 91.2% demonstrating a positive mindset, which strongly associated with higher cognitive scores (p = 0.004). However, actual patient safety culture practice fell dramatically short, with 73.8% of participants exhibiting poor overall practice. Only 19.5% had ever filed a formal incident report. Among the 513 students who never filed a report, the primary barriers identified were fear of victimization or blame (58.0%), strict institutional hierarchies (44.3%), and high workloads (42.0%). Key curricular and experiential gaps identified included an absolute lack of formal instruction in root cause analysis (59.0%) and incident reporting protocols (49.3%). Conclusion: Clinical students at UBTH display robust theoretical knowledge and highly positive attitudes toward patient safety responsibilities, but institutional, systemic, and cultural barriers significantly impede the translation of these attributes into safe clinical practices. Addressing this disconnect requires aggressive educational reforms, such as integrating simulation-based learning into clinical rotations, and structural interventions by hospital management to establish a accessible, transparent, and non-punitive incident reporting environment.

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of cancer patients are at increased risk of developing cancer due to shared genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Despite this increased risk, screening uptake among FDRs remains low. This study assessed the knowledge of early cancer detection and screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of early detection and screening uptake among the first-degree relatives of cancer patients.


Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 first-degree relatives of cancer patients attending the Radiotherapy/Clinical Oncology Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.75 ± 13.34 years, and the majority were females 265 (64.6%). Overall, 268 (65.4%) respondents were aware of early cancer detection and screening. Among those aware, television/radio was the major source of information 104 (38.8%). Mammography was the most recognized screening method 144 (53.7%). Most respondents 209 (78.0%) demonstrated good knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. However, only 96 (23.4%) respondents had previously undergone cancer screening. Ethnicity (p = 0.035) and monthly income (p = 0.014) showed statistically significant associations with knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. Major barriers to screening included poor awareness, fear of diagnosis, inadequate physician recommendation, and limited access to screening services.

Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of early cancer detection and screening, screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients was poor. Improved public health education, increased healthcare provider involvement, and enhanced accessibility and affordability of screening services are recommended to improve cancer screening uptake among high-risk populations.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly being used as source of health information, particularly among undergraduate students who are highly engaged with digital technologies. These tools provide instant, interactive, and personalized responses to healthrelated queries, which may influence health-seeking behaviors. One growing concern is their role in facilitating self-medication, defined as the use of medicines without consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. While AI chatbots may improve access to health information and empower individuals to make decisions, their unregulated use raises concerns about misinformation, inappropriate drug use, delayed diagnosis, and adverse health outcomes. Despite the increasing global use of AI technologies, there is limited evidence on how undergraduate students in Nigeria utilize AI chatbots in relation to self-medication practices. Understanding students’ knowledge, attitudes, and patterns of use is essential for informing public health interventions and policies. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students in Benin City, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from UTAUT and related acceptance models that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of AI chatbots, attitudes toward their use in health decision-making, and prevalence of their use in facilitating self-medication. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed and categorized into levels. Data analysis was performed using appropriate statistical software. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and proportions were used to summarize variables, while inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to examine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.50±3.138 years, with females constituting the majority (78.4%). Awareness of AI chatbots was universal, and about four-fifth of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, with Gemini being the most correctly identified tool. Despite this high awareness, only a small proportion had received formal training on AI or chatbots. About seven-tenth of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward AI chatbot use, perceiving these tools as convenient and useful for obtaining quick health information, although concerns regarding reliability and safety remained common. The prevalence of AI chatbot use for self- medication was considerable, with nearly one-third of respondents reporting use for advice on symptoms, possible diagnoses, and treatment options. ChatGPT was the most commonly used chatbot for self-medication, followed by Gemini. Despite the prevalence of use, the frequency of chatbot utilization for self-medication was mostly occasional or rare. Sex and guardians occupation were significant predictors of good knowledge. Attitude toward AI chatbot use was a strong predictor of prevalence. Respondents with a positive attitude were significantly less likely to use AI chatbots for self-medication compared with those with a negative attitude (OR = 0.178, p < 0.001) Conclusion: Despite high awareness and good knowledge of AI chatbots among respondents, concerns about reliability and safety in self-medication persisted. About one-third had used AI chatbots, mainly ChatGPT, for self-medication. Knowledge, attitude, guardians’ occupation, and social media use significantly influenced utilization, highlighting the need for targeted health education, improved digital health literacy, and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and responsible use of AI chatbots in healthcare decision-making.