Antibiotic Self-Medication: prevalence and behavior description

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics are highly prescribed drugs as treatment of usual diseases such as respiratory or urinary tract infections. Excessive use of antibiotics fastens the emergence of antibiotic resistance, increasing morbidity, mortality, hospitalizations, and costs, due difficulties in infections treatments. Unappropiated prescriptions and self-medication are especially high in South America. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and describe behaivioral aspects in the population. Methods & Materials: Observational study. Closed-answer surveys was preformed to randomly selected people in La Plata city (Buenos Aires) on September 2017. Personal, behavioral, source of information and supply, side effects and risks of self-medication questions was asked. A database was created. Statistical analysis was made Results: 421 surveys were preformed. 230 (55%) were women. Mean age: 36.1. Social security:73% (308). Education: highschool or higher 88% (370). Self-medication with antibiotics prevalence was 66% (277), being higher in under 35 years (RR 2.56 CI = 1.69-3.87 p < 0.001).18% admited to do it at least once a year. Pharyngeal infections was the main reason 68% (189), urinary tract infections 15% (42) and odontological infections 10% (29). Knowing the disease and its treatment justified the use in 51% (142), medical assesment considered unnecessary 24% (66), no time to consult 20% (55) Antibiotics acquired in pharmacies: 76% (210). Information Provider: Relatives and friends 48% (133), pharmacist 25% (68), nurses 10% (28). Terapeutic discontinuation: after clinical improvement 39% (109), as set in leaflet 25% (68), when advised 22% (61), after finishing the tablets 14% (39). If symptoms persist, 88% (243) attends medical visit. 95% (264) reported desired effect after treatment. 91% (251) never suffered adverse effects. 66% (279) considered antibiotics as special drugs 78% (330) considered self-medication dangerous. 65% (274) never received information about antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: High rate of self-medication with antibiotics is observed, mainly in under 35 years. Unreliable sources of information, and an acquisition without medical prescription are asociated. Reasons for self-consumption and length of treatments are based on cultural beliefs, not considering the medical prescription as necessary, despite awareness about risks. Behavioral information allows to promote actions aimed to rational use of antibiotics. in the comunity