Exploring self-care choices: a qualitative study of self-medication insights among university students in Lira City, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Limited access to convenient healthcare options, the concern for discrete access, particularly for potentially stigmatised conditions, coupled with the exigencies of academic life that demanded them to optimise time management, create a conducive environment for the prevalence of self-medication practices among university students. These themes demonstrate the intersection of health-seeking behaviours and contextual factors, shedding light on the pragmatic strategies adopted by students to navigate healthcare challenges, sometimes at the risk of harmful consequences. These issues also show the need for culturally and gender-sensitive healthcare approaches, regulatory oversight on medication practices and public health campaigns promoting safe medication practices among students.