Abstract
-The consumption of medicine has been increasing globally in line with the invention and distribution of new medicines. Inappropriate use of medicine has also been reported as a global problem and there are different interrelated factors that affect medicine use at all levels. The social and cultural aspects of medicine use has been shown to affect medicine use among populations. Migration by itself is recognized as an independent social determinant of health since immigrants travel with their health profiles, values and beliefs. Similarly, immigrants have been reported to have low access to health care and medicine use. Despite having relatively short immigration history, Norway has experienced broad demographic changes in the last few decades. Challenges related to immigrants have been increasing especially related to health care which necessitates the need for knowledge of the cultural and ethnic diversity that the country has been experienced. Ethiopian immigrants living in Norway are among the largest immigrant groups from Africa. Studies on medicine use experiences and attitudes towards medicine among this group of immigrants could generate data for intervention. Objective- The aim of this study was to describe experiences with and attitude towards medicines among Ethiopians residing in Norway. Methods- One hundred Ethiopian immigrants residing in Oslo, Norway were recruited through convenience sampling and interviewed after their consent to participate in the study. We used face to face questionnaire based personal interviews to obtain the necessary information regarding their medicine use, health care encounter and attitude towards both conventional and complimentary and alternative medicines (CAM). Results- The majority of study participants (86%) have family doctor in Norway and reported of using at least one medicine in the last 6 months (75%). Similarly, 51% and 39% reported the use of at least one medicine in the preceding month and during the time of the interview, respectively. Among those who reported the use of medicine in the last 6 months prior to interview, the majority (53 (70.7%)) reported of using doctor-prescribed medicines. Seventy-five percent of the participants reported of the ever-use of CAM especially herbal medicines and spiritual healing. More females than males reported the use of medicines