Self-medication with antibiotics in Slovenian general population

Abstract

Background: The relationship between antibiotic usage and resistance is strongly supported by several studies. The frequency of self-medication with antibiotics and to what extent self-medication is a contributing factor to the prevalence of resistance is not known. Methods: A postal questionnaire was developed collaboratively in English in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands. In a population survey 19 European countries including Slovenia participated. A postal questionnaire in Slovene was distributed to 3000 randomly selected subject in urban and rural area of Ljubljana. The study population consisted of adults aged 18 years and above. The participants were asked a series of standardized questions regarding their use of antibiotics during the last 12 months, how these were obtained if they had any antibiotics at home and if they would consider using antibiotics for themselves and their children without contacting a physician. Results: 1143 (38%) persons completed the questionnaire. The mean age among the respondents was 48.1 years. Use of antibiotics during the last year was reported by 31% of the adult respondents and 42.4% of children. 15/1139 (1.3%) got antibiotics from leftover, 2 (0.17%) from friends and relatives and 2 (0.7%) directly from pharmacy. 20.4% of respondents had antibiotics at home. Among the respondents 10.1% (109/1071) would use antibiotics without contacting a doctor and 17.8% (191/1071) may use them. The antibiotics would or may be used without contacting a doctor for treatment of 4.7% of children. Conclusions: Self-medication, intended self-medication and storage of antibiotics at home represent a common practice in Slovenia. The frequency of storage of antibiotic at home should be reduced and the public should be informed on the possible adverse consequences of self-medication.