UTILISATION OF PATENT MEDICINE STORES/VENDORS FOR HEALTH SERVICES BY RESIDENTS OF OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE
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Abstract
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.
(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.
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