Evaluation of self-medication practices among ENT patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center, N’Djamena, Chad

Abstract Background Self-medication is widespread in low- and middle-income countries, facilitated by direct access to medicines and the perception of certain symptoms as minor. In the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialty, common complaints such as earache, sore throat, or headache often lead patients to self-treat without medical consultation. However, few studies have investigated this practice in hospital-based ENT clinics in Chad. Objective To describe self-medication practices among patients attending the ENT clinic at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N’Djamena, focusing on the types of medicines used, associated factors, dosage adherence, and awareness of related risks. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 December 2022 to 31 July 2023. All new patients who had self-medicated before their ENT clinic visit were included. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed with SPSS v26. Statistical associations were assessed using the chi-squared test ( p  < 0.05). Results A total of 228 participants, representing 75.3% of the study population, reported using one or more medicines without a prescription prior to their ENT clinic visit. Among these participants, the most frequently used drug classes were analgesics/antipyretics/anti-inflammatory agents (142; 62.3%), antibiotics (121; 53.1%), and ear drops (28; 12.3%), together amounting to 354 self-medicated drugs. Correct dosage adherence was observed in 194 of these 354 instances (54.8%), with significant variation across drug classes ( p  < 0.05). Favourable symptom outcomes were reported in 176 of 354 cases (49.7%). However, only 66 patients (29.0%) could identify at least three potential adverse effects, and most remained unaware of the risks associated with inappropriate antibiotic use. Conclusion Self-medication is common among ENT patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center. It mainly involves analgesics/antipyretics/anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics, which are often used inappropriately. Misuse of antibiotics may lead to adverse effects, bacterial resistance, and delayed diagnosis. These findings support the need to strengthen health education, pharmaceutical regulation, and access to specialised ENT care.