Abstract Self-medication is widely practiced all over the world especially in developing countries where there is high accessibility to drugs. The aim of this study was to describe the practice of self-medication among adult patients suffering from dental pain consulting at the dental clinic of the Yaoundé Central Hospital. We conducted a cross sectional descriptive study between February to April 2018. We recruited 282 consenting respondents whom we interviewed using a structured pre-tested open ended and close ended questionnaire. Almost three quarters 208(73.8%) of the respondents admitted to had self-medicated, with a female predominance 175(62%). The most frequently used drugs were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 101(36.5%) and analgesics 94(33.2%). The most consumed analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were paracetamol 102(37%) and ibuprofen 70(25%) respectively. Reasons for self-medication were unbearable pain 108(38.5%), financial difficulties 80 (28.4%), lack of time to consult a dentist and long waiting hours at the dental office 53 (18.8%). Three quarters 201(71.2%) of the respondents practised irresponsible self-medication and 81(28.9%) practiced responsible self-medication. The sources of medications included pharmacy 127(45.2%) and non-pharmaceutical establishments such as previously prescribed medications at home 109(38.5%), roadside vendors 31(11.1%), open markets 10(3.8%) and mobile vendors in buses or transport cars 4(1.4%). Less than three quarters of the respondents 73(26%) who were aware of complications of self medications such as gastric ulcers, drug resistance, allergies and overdose. Self-medication remains a rampant practice in our community. There is need to enforce formulate policies that can limit self-medication practices in the community.
Keywords: self-medication; dental pain; drugs; Yaoundé