Abstract
The current scoping review is an attempt to explore the key reasons, determinants, patterns and prevalence related to self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) among the lay public. An online search was conducted using Google Scholar, Science Direct, ProQuest and PubMed. A two-phase mapping approach was used. In the first phase, studies were screened. In the second phase, the data were extracted from selected studies followed by the assessment of data quality. A total of 24 studies were included; 20 were cross-sectional, 3 were qualitative and one was observational. The most common indications were flu, cough, common colds, sore throat, diarrhea, toothache and fever. The most common determinants reported were past good experience and suggestions from friends or relatives. The use of SMA was observed to be more frequent in younger aged individuals belonging to low- or middle-income groups. The prevalence rate was reported to be high among the South Asian lay public and may be a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, this scoping review identifies a need for education campaigns and mass media campaigns to strengthen lay public awareness about the side effects and risks associated with SMA. In addition to this, there is a need to implement strict policies by government agencies to restrict over the counter availability of antibiotics.
Highlights
The increasing level of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant trend seen throughout the globe, and this phenomenon may affect general public health at all levels of healthcare [1]
979 content articles were identified and 95 remained after eliminating duplicates. These 95 articles were further reviewed by title which excluded 45, leaving a total of 45 articles for
These 95 articles were further reviewed by title which excluded 45, leaving a total of 45 articles for abstract review
Summary
The increasing level of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant trend seen throughout the globe, and this phenomenon may affect general public health at all levels of healthcare [1]. It decreases the potency of antibiotics during the treatment of infectious ailments and extends the duration of illness. Extensive use of these drugs increases the emergence and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms among patients [2]. Over the last few decades, the treatment of infections with antibiotics as primary care among the population has changed dramatically. Some individuals use antibiotics more frequently which results in more multidrug-resistant infections.
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