A digital health literacy intervention to improve over-the-counter medication safety practices in Nigeria
1
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications is a growing public health concern in Nigeria, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and adverse health outcomes. This study evaluated Pill Proper, a digital initiative designed to assess baseline knowledge and implement an educational intervention to improve medication safety.
METHODS:
A two-part project was conducted via social media, targeting Nigerian adults (>18 years). The first component was a survey evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding common OTC medications. The second component included an educational slide deck and infographics addressing common misconceptions, followed by a brief quiz to assess knowledge retention. Survey responses were analyzed descriptively and post-intervention feedback assessed changes in participant confidence and intended behavior.
RESULTS:
The study captured 284 responses across 22 Nigerian states, predominantly aged 18–35 years (76.8%). Baseline data revealed significant safety gaps: while 83.8% recognized paracetamol-related liver risk and 71.5% identified diclofenac-related gastric risk, 80.3% reported a likelihood to buy medications without medical consultation. Despite this high reliance on self-medication, 53.2% did not read drug instructions, and 36.3% believed OTC drugs are completely safe without medical advice. Regarding antibiotics, 89.1% recognized the importance of completing doses, yet only 60% reported consistent adherence, and 39.6% incorrectly believed antibiotics treat viral infections. Among post-intervention feedback participants (n=13), 84.6% reported increased confidence in safe medication practices, and 76.9% intended to apply these practices.
CONCLUSIONS:
Pill Proper demonstrates that digital health education is effective for young Nigerian adults. Although specific drug toxicity risks are known, there is a behavioral disconnect that necessitates targeted health literacy interventions. Translating medical data into accessible social media content can reduce self-medication risks and counter health misinformation.
Misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications is a growing public health concern in Nigeria, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and adverse health outcomes. This study evaluated Pill Proper, a digital initiative designed to assess baseline knowledge and implement an educational intervention to improve medication safety.
METHODS:
A two-part project was conducted via social media, targeting Nigerian adults (>18 years). The first component was a survey evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding common OTC medications. The second component included an educational slide deck and infographics addressing common misconceptions, followed by a brief quiz to assess knowledge retention. Survey responses were analyzed descriptively and post-intervention feedback assessed changes in participant confidence and intended behavior.
RESULTS:
The study captured 284 responses across 22 Nigerian states, predominantly aged 18–35 years (76.8%). Baseline data revealed significant safety gaps: while 83.8% recognized paracetamol-related liver risk and 71.5% identified diclofenac-related gastric risk, 80.3% reported a likelihood to buy medications without medical consultation. Despite this high reliance on self-medication, 53.2% did not read drug instructions, and 36.3% believed OTC drugs are completely safe without medical advice. Regarding antibiotics, 89.1% recognized the importance of completing doses, yet only 60% reported consistent adherence, and 39.6% incorrectly believed antibiotics treat viral infections. Among post-intervention feedback participants (n=13), 84.6% reported increased confidence in safe medication practices, and 76.9% intended to apply these practices.
CONCLUSIONS:
Pill Proper demonstrates that digital health education is effective for young Nigerian adults. Although specific drug toxicity risks are known, there is a behavioral disconnect that necessitates targeted health literacy interventions. Translating medical data into accessible social media content can reduce self-medication risks and counter health misinformation.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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