C. E. OMOROGBE

Self-medication, defined as the use of medication without medical consultation, is prevalent among women of reproductive age globally and presents notable heath concerns. This study assess the knowledge, practices and influencing factors of self-medication among women aged 15-49 in Uselu Community, Benin City, Nigeria. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 323 respondents through a structured questionnaire, with findings analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that 86.69% of respondents had prior knowledge of self-medication, often acquired from internet/social media, family, and friends. Despite this awareness, 95.67% had engaged in self-medication within the past year, primarily for minor ailments such as headaches, menstrual pain, and other minor ailments. Analgesics (41.17%) and antibiotics (39.32%) were the most commonly used drugs, with many respondents self-medicating frequently. Influential factors included financial constraints, convenience, ease of access to over-the-counter medications, and long wait times at healthcare facilities. Additionally, social and cultural factors played a role, as family influence and traditional beliefs often guided self-medication practices. This study highlights significant risks associated with this practice, including adverse drug reactions, potential for antimicrobial resistance, and complications in pregnancy, thereby underscoring the need for educational interventions.Recommendations include increasing awareness of the dangers of unsupervised medication use and strengthening regulatory frameworks to limit easy access to potentially harmful drugs. This research study contributes to public health by emphasizing the need for targeted health education and accessible healthcare services to mitigate the adverse effects of selfmedication within this demographic. Keywords: Self-medication, knowledge, women of reproductive age, Nigeria, practice

Effective glycemic control is essential for preventing diabetes-related complications, yet knowledge gaps and practice barriers persist among patients in resource-limited settings. This study examined knowledge, practices, and factors affecting glycemic control among diabetic patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. A cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted among 174 adult diabetic patients attending the Consultant Outpatient Department. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. While 62% demonstrated overall good knowledge, critical deficits emerged in technical understanding: only 16.7% correctly defined glycemic control, 2.9% recognized HbA1c testing, and 26.4% understood appropriate monitoring frequency. Conversely, over 90% correctly identified symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and complications. Self-management practices were generally good (mean 3.37), with high medication adherence (85.6%) and clinic attendance (91.4%), but poor blood glucose monitoring (mean 3.20) and foot care (mean 2.47). Financial barriers emerged as primary impediments: 82.7% found glucometer kits too expensive, 58.6% struggled to afford medications, and 85.7% found monitoring painful. Additionally, 69% perceived cultural foods as incompatible with diabetes control, and 44.9% lacked glucometer use skills.Despite good symptom awareness and medication adherence, critical gaps in technical knowledge and substantial financial barriers limit effective glycemic self-management. Interventions must address both educational deficits in monitoring competence and structural barriers through subsidized supplies, skills training, and culturally adapted dietary counseling.