Prevalence and factors associated with the use of unorthodox medication for dental treatment among patients in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Unorthodox medication refers to medications that are not in conformity with the standards of the medical community. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence and use of unorthodox medications among patients in Enugu, Nigeria. It also assessed the reason, duration of use, source of information, and knowledge of harmful effects of these unorthodox medications on patients. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 405 patients who attended dental clinic of Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy (FCDTT) over a 2-month period. Data on sociodemographic profile, use of unorthodox medication, reason for use, source of information, duration of use, and knowledge of the harmful effect were collected using questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25 and chi-square test was conducted. Factors associated with the use of unorthodox medication were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: One hundred and sixty-four (40.5%) study participants used unorthodox medication before presenting to the dental clinic. Majority 224(55.3%) were aged 18–34 years, had postgraduate education 140(34.6%) and had visited the dental clinic in the past 211(52.1%). There was a significant association between past dental visit (P = 0.03) and use of unorthodox medication. “No need for orthodox dental prescription and care” was the main reason for use of unorthodox medication by the study participants. Dental powder particularly “Agnes Nwamma” was the most common unorthodox medication used. Conclusion: Two-fifth of the study population used unorthodox medication and the major reason for use was non-perceived need for orthodox medication. Dental powder particularly “Agnes Nwamma” was the most common unorthodox medication used.

Keywords

• dental patients
• enugu
• unorthodox medication