PREVALENCE OF ANTIBIOTIC SELF-MEDICATION AND KNOWLEDGE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AMONG COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN NENO DISTRICT RURAL MALAWI: A CROSS-SECTION STUDY

Abstract

BackgroundDespite global efforts to address antibiotic self-medication, it is still significantly prevalent. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic self-medication and assess knowledge of antibiotic resistance among community members in Neno District, rural Malawi. MethodsA cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted from September to November 2023, using simple random sampling across 169 villages. Participants from two households per village were surveyed using a drug-bag method, focusing on those who had taken antibiotics within the preceding six months. Additionally, drug retailers were selected via snowball sampling for interviews. ResultsOf 531 participants and 39 drug retailers, 71.1% reported antibiotic use, with 69.5% self-medicating in the past six months with convenience, 31.5%, and confidence, 26.7% being the reasons. Common symptoms prompting self-medication included cough, 29.9%, sore throat, 28.6%, and aches and pain, 28.6%. Amoxicillin, 61.1% and cotrimoxazole, 29.6% were the most used antibiotics. More than half (53.1%) reused leftover antibiotics from health facilities, with employed participants significantly more likely to self-medicate. Awareness of antibiotic resistance was low (16.1%), mainly learned from hospitals. Unlawful antibiotic sales by drug retailers, 46.2%, were noted. ConclusionThe study highlights the urgent need for government-led efforts to regulate antibiotic use and increase public awareness to mitigate the impact on public health.