Influence of social networks on medication sharing among Somali women in Eldoret Municipality

Abstract

Background: Prescription of medicine is one of the most common interventions in health care. For proper illness management, optimal use of appropriately prescribed medication is important. Medication sharing is a public health concern because it often results in treatment of symptoms and not the underlying disease. The ties in a social network are important because people are interconnected and so is their health. The health intervention given to one influential person can have an unintended effect on the rest of the network Objective: The objectives of this study were to:Describe the Somali women’s perception of medication sharing, Identify forms of social networks evident among Somali women living in Eldoret, and Examine how the social networks influence medication sharing behaviour. Methods: This was a phenomenological study, which was concerned with the lived experiences of the participants and was conducted using the qualitative method. The study sought multiple perspectives on these lived experiences using both in-depth interviews and observations. The study population consisted of 30 Somali women living in Eldoret recruited from six areas namely Huruma, West Indies, Mwanzo, MailiNne, Kapsoya and the Central Business District. Using Purposive sampling, an initial 7 participants were recruited and a further 23 participants were recruited using snowballing sampling procedure. Data collected was transcribed and analysed and a composite was constructed to an overall description of the phenomena as people usually experience them. Data was also presented using tables, pie charts and diagrams. Results: 21 of the participants practised medication sharing. The participants shared both prescription and over the counter medication. Their social networks which include family, friends, neighbours, those with similar health conditions, friends of friends, houseguests and health care professionals, influenced their medication sharing practice. These social networks influenced if and when medication should be shared and the type of medication to be shared. The familial social network had the most influence on the practice of medication sharing. Conclusions: Medication sharing is practisedby the Somali women living in Eldoretand within their social networks. Their social network has a direct influence on the types of medication shared. Recommendations: Somali women need education on the effects of medication sharing from members of their social networks to promote safer medication taking practices.