The prevalence and risks of antibiotic self-medication in residents of a rural community in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Antibiotic self-medication (ASM) is widespread, thus contributing to the increasing global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Even though there exists sufficient research on urban communities, knowledge on ASM among rural dwellers in Accra is limited. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and risks of antibiotic self-medication among residents of the rural community of Abokobi sub-municipality of Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional survey with multistage random sampling was used in recruiting 350 adult residents of Abokobi, from 18 years and above. A researcher-assisted questionnaire was then used to gather quantitative information from the participants. The overall prevalence of ASM was 36% (95% CI: 34.6 - 42.8). The major intentions for antibiotic self-medication were past successful experience 82 (47%) and ease of purchase of antibiotics 64 (36%). Others practiced self-medication as a result of self-reported health problems such as gastrointestinal infection 81 (46%) and fever 19 (11%). The predominant antibiotic used in self- medication was amoxicillin 94 (53%). The risk factors associated with ASM among participants were tertiary education (aOR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–1.08) and subscription to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 0.97–5.38). Antibiotic self-medication rates are quite high among rural dwellers of Accra, Ghana. Therefore, governments and pharmaceutical agencies responsible for regulations of medicines have to effectively educate residents about the policy on appropriate use of antibiotics, strictly enforce the laws and take appropriate actions on medication outlets dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions in rural settings of LMICs.