Prevalence and predictors of self-medication among adults in Mbeya Urban, Tanzania

Background Self-medication is a common health-seeking behavior in low- and middle-income countries, influenced by easy drug access and limited health insurance. In Tanzania, particularly in urban areas such as Mbeya, empirical evidence remains scarce. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2025 among 381 adults in Mbeya Urban, selected via simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on socio-demographics, self-medication practices, drugs used, sources, and reasons for self-medication. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations were assessed using Chi-square tests ( p < 0.05). Results The prevalence of self-medication was 45.1%. Antibiotics (27.9%), analgesics (25.6%), and antimalarials (15.7%) were commonly used, primarily obtained from pharmacies and drug shops (67.4%). Main reasons included perceived mild illness (43.0%) and lack of time to visit health facilities (26.7%). Self-medication was significantly associated with education (χ 2 = 57.41, p < 0.001), occupation (χ 2 = 45.03, p < 0.001), religion (χ 2 = 55.36, p < 0.001), and health-insurance status (χ 2 = 55.76, p < 0.001). Conclusion Self-medication is widespread in Mbeya Urban, driven by access to medicines and limited healthcare utilization. Targeted community education, pharmacist regulation, and expanded health insurance coverage are needed to promote rational drug use and curb antimicrobial resistance.