Self medication practice in developing countries: Theory and evidence from Cameroon

Claude Marius Amba Oyon, Université de Yaoundé 2
Maryam Ibrahim, Université de Yaoundé 2
Michele Estelle Ndonou, Université de Yaoundé 2

How do households in developing countries react during their morbid episodes to regain their health? Data from the Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey shows empirically that households in these countries choose between self-medication and conventional medicine, whatever their income level. The following dissertation formulates an economic model that explains how health-care choices affect the health status of households. The model explains how self medication, a widespread practice in developing countries, is a choice that is not solely driven by income constraints. The model also highlights the various risks associated with self medication in terms of the quality of medicine or infusions.