Prevalence of antibiotic use among medical students in Iraq

Abstract

Background: Self-medication with antibiotics is one of health problems that lead to drug resistance. The impact of antimicrobial resistance includes prolonged illness, prolonged stay in hospital, expensive medications may be required. Antibiotics misuse prevalence was registered worldwide. In Iraq, previous review study demonstrated high prevalence of antibiotic misuse among Iraqi population in different regions ranging from (45%- 92%). Objective: Aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of antibiotics use among medical students in private university in Bagdad. Method: Descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out on (271) students of medical colleges in Al-Bayan University during April 2020. Students were asked to participate in this study by using electrical questionnaire (google forms) and they informed about the aim of the study. Results: A total of (271)of medical students participated in the study,( 51.1%) of them were female and (49.8%) were male and the majority in 19-24 years age group. The prevalence of self- medication with antibiotics during one year prior to the study was ( 83.7% ). Common cold (31.3%) and sore throat( 27.9%) were the most conditions for which antibiotics used and penicillin was the most popular antibiotic for self- medication . The reason for using antibiotics without prescription was their previous experience with antibiotics (49.8%). The majority of them(34.3%) used antibiotics for 1-3 days only or until the symptoms disappear( 33%). Their source of information was from physician (34.8%) and pharmacist (30.5%). Conclusion: This study revealed a higher rate of antibiotics self-medication among medical students which considered as a health problem. This needs educational intervention about rational use of antibiotics for the university students and for the general public.