PEER INFLUENCE AND SELF ESTEEM AS PREDICTORS OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG THE YOUTH IN THE MIDDLE BELT REGION OF NIGERIA

Over the years, individuals have been visiting drug stores intending to treat their respective illnesses without expert consultation. Self-medication has defined as self-prescription and self-administration of drugs by an individual consulting a medical expert. It is public health concern. Research established several predictor variables in self-medication. Thus, purpose this study examine predictive role peer influence self-esteem on self-medication practice among youth middle-belt region Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was adopted. Two hundred sixteen pooled from four large institutions Kogi Benue State participated study. The participant completed self-report measure,and multiple regression model used test hypothesis. result showed that peerinfluence statistically significantly predicted practice, while did not. recommends robust anti-self-medication campaign.