Self-medication With Antibiotics Research Articles

Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and its related factors among the general public and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in China

Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a common public health concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SMA in the general public and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 28, 2022, to November 6, 2022. Logistics regression analysis was used to examine the associated factors. The rate of SMA was 10.25% in the general public and 12.69% in health professionals. For the public, those who perceived themselves as average or good health, had moderate antibiotic knowledge, and had easy access to nearby health facilities were less likely to SMA; while those who live in rural areas, found it easy to purchase antibiotics without prescriptions, and those who frequently encountered antibiotics recommended by pharmacy staff were more likely to SMA. For health professionals, those who were female, perceived themselves as good health, had moderate or high antibiotic knowledge, and had easy access to health facilities were less likely to SMA; while those who found it easy to purchase antibiotics without prescriptions were more likely to SMA. SMA is prevalent in both the general public and health professionals. Promoting the rational use of antibiotics requires joint participation and effort.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-Medication of Antibiotics: Medical Vs Dental students at AIMST University

Objective: Pharmacological management have been used to treat self-diagnosed ailments in the human body since many decades. Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) refers to unacceptable usage of antibiotics and is considered inappropriate. Considering antimicrobial resistance, this study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of self-medication of antibiotics use among Year 1 to Year 5 Medical versus dental students in this University. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire with thirty questions of both multiple choices and closed ended questions were provided in English for this cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire had sections assessing knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication of antibiotics in addition to the regular demographic data. Results: Both faculties have similar knowledge but different attitudes and thinking toward antibiotics which have been elicited in our study. There were only 27 students out of 385 students who experienced self-medication with antibiotics according to data collected. On the whole, the students did not practice self-medication of antibiotics and both faculties of students possess proper usage and handling of antibiotics. Conclusion: This questionnaire serve as a useful tool in research to measure KAP of the general population towards self-medication with antibiotics, and can help government agencies/healthcare professionals toward the development of an effective educational intervention to improve general public health wellbeing and overcome antibiotic resistance.

Comparison of knowledge, attitude, practice and predictors of self-medication with antibiotics among medical and non-medical students in Tanzania.

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a widespread problem in developing nations, including Tanzania. Methods: This study compared knowledge, attitudes, practices, and factors influencing antibiotic SMA among medical and non-medical students. Results: The prevalence of SMA among medical students was 49.1% and 59.2% among non-medical students, respectively. The mean knowledge score of medical students (6.4) was significantly higher (p-value <0.001) than that of non-medical students (5.6). The main factors influencing SMA practices were the availability of antibiotics without a prescription, easy access to pharmacies, and a lack of knowledge about the risks of SMA. This experience was pivotal in influencing medical students to take antibiotics, with a substantial proportion of 67.5% as opposed to 59.4% of non-medical students. Medical students were 1.6 times more likely to self-medicate with antibiotics than non-medical students (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.6; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.2-2.3, p-value = 0.004). Age was also associated with self-medication, with an AOR of 1.1 (95% CI: 1.04-1.2, p-value = 0.006) per year increase in age. Additionally, attitude was associated with self-medication, with an AOR of 1.05 (95% CI: 1.04-1.1, p-value = 0.001) per unit increase in attitude score. Discussion: No significant associations were found between sex, marital status, having children, year of study, knowledge score, and self-medication with antibiotics. This study emphasizes the importance of educational interventions and public awareness campaigns to promote antimicrobial stewardship, appropriate antibiotic use, and preventing pharmacies from dispensing antibiotics without a prescription.

Practice and associated factors determination of self-medication with antibiotics among community residents in Boyolali, Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

This study investigated the prevalence, practice, and factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in the general community in Boyolali, Indonesia. This cross-sectional study used a validated questionnaire with the cluster sampling method applied to select households. Data were analyzed using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis. During the study, 961 respondents participated (46.9% male and 53.1% female). The prevalence of SMA was 16%. Amoxicillin (50.0%) and tetracycline (33%) were frequently used as antibiotics for self-medication. The reasons for SMA were mainly personal experience and not consulting with a doctor to save money. Most respondents reported that antibiotics could kill viruses (84.3%) and reduce fever (73.2%). They do not know that antibiotics must be bought in a pharmacy after being prescribed by a doctor (66.8%) and do not know how to use antibiotics correctly (63.5%). Age, marital status, employment status, knowledge of antibiotic access, and knowledge of antibiotics misuse effect were significantly associated with SMA (p &lt; 0.05). This study determined 16% SMA, but the tolerance to SMA should be zero because any single percent of SMA could spread antibiotic resistance widely among the whole community. Therefore, educating and encouraging people to avoid SMA is recommended to prevent ABR development and spread among societies.

Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Children in China: A Cross-Sectional Study of Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices.

Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) among children is a common practice in low-income and middle-income countries, which has accelerated antibacterial abuse. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of SMA among children in China, including parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards antibiotic use. A cross-sectional study based on a structured questionnaire survey of parents was conducted in Nantong between July and September 2020. A total of 1699 respondents participated. Information on participants' demographic and family characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards antibiotics use was collected. Hierarchical binary logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of SMA among children. Among 1699 participants, 23.31% practiced SMA to their children in the past year. Cough (59.6%) was the most common symptom leading to self-medication and penicillins (85.4%) were the most commonly used drugs. Hierarchical regression indicated that parents with higher level of antibiotic knowledge scores (OR=1.163, 95% CI: 1.067-1.268) and buying antibiotics without a prescription from pharmacy (OR=1.475, 95% CI: 1.097-1.983) were more likely to practice SMA to their children both in urban and in rural areas. Storing antibiotics at home resulted in an increased likelihood of self-medication in urban areas but not in rural areas. In addition, there was also a higher probability of non-prescribed antibiotics in children without chronic diseases (OR=1.959, 95% CI:1.072-3.578). The prevalence of SMA in children is high in China. Higher knowledge scores and practices of buying and storing non-prescribed antibiotics behaviors increased parents' antibiotic self-medication in their children. Practical and effective education intervention for children's rational use of antibiotics is urgently strengthened.

Association between self-medication with antibiotics and purchase of brand-name drugs: analysis of a national survey in Peru

Abstract Objectives To determine the association between self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) and purchase of brand-name drugs in Peru. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted using a nationally representative survey from 2014 to 2016. The exposure variable was self-medication (SM), which is defined as the purchase of drugs for self-administration without a medical prescription. The study outcome was the purchase of brand-name drugs (yes/no). Sociodemographic variables, such as health insurance and type of institution, were considered as confounders. To assess the association between SMA and the purchase of brand-name drugs, the crude prevalence ratios (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated with their confidence intervals at 95% (95% CI) using a Poisson-type generalized linear model and considering the complex survey design. Key findings A total of 1862 participants were analysed; 54.4% of the participants were women with a mean age of 39.3 years. The prevalence rate of SMA was 54.3%, whereas that of the purchase of brand-name drugs was 55.3%. The adjusted Poisson regression analysis showed an association between SMA and the purchase of brand-name drugs (aPR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.18–1.37; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions It was found that 5 of 10 respondents SMA. Approximately 6 of 10 respondents that SMA used brand-name drugs. SMA is associated with a higher probability of purchasing brand-name drugs.

Prevalence and Predictors of Antibiotic Self-Medication in Sudan: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is one of the common factors which precipitate antimicrobial resistance, yet if effective implementations are amended it can be effortlessly controlled. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of SMA in Sudan. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design conducted in all Sudan states between June and December 2021. Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Binary logistic regression was computed to investigate the possible factors which associated with SMA. Out of 1492 participants surveyed, 71.3% utilize antibiotics as self-medication. The derived reasons for SMA were convenience (63.3%) and cost-saving (34.8%). Tonsillitis was the most common ailment behind SMA (55.5%). Log-binominal regression revealed that non-insured and low level of education participants were more likely to predict SMA. Regarding the practice, 40% changed the dose and/or antibiotics mainly owing to improvement (53.7%) or worsening of the condition (37.9%). The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (32.5%). Two out of three individuals in Sudan practice SMA mainly to manage upper respiratory tract ailments. Thus, the necessity of implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program throughout the country, as well as implementing effective legislation to prohibit dispensing antibiotics without prescription is urgently required.

Practices and Factors for Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Patients and Medical Students in Tunisia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) becomes generally common practice due to multiple factors. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with SMA among patients and medical students in Tunisia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2018 and October 2018 on 752 subjects. The sample of this study consisted of 153 patients in the outpatient clinic of two Universities Hospitals (Habib Bourguiba and Hedi Chaker in Sfax, Tunisia) and 559 students in the Medical universities of Tunisia. The inclusion criteria included adult patients (≥18 years) who see in one of both hospitals during the study and Medical students who accepted to access the questionnaire on Google forms. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire reliable and validated by a pilot test in a subsample of participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare differences between quantitative variables. Pearson's chi-square test was carried out to evaluate associations between qualitative variables. Of 752 participants, 71.68% self-medicated (70.9% of patients and 72% of medical students). There were no significant differences in SMA between patients and medical students (<I>P</I>=0.738). Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic for SM by patients (67.6%) and medical students (74.5%) (<I>P</I>=0.149). Furthermore, the most common indications for the use of self-medicated antibiotics were angina, influenza-like illness, and fever were the most frequent indications for the use of self-medicated antibiotics by patients (56.5%, 60.2%, 28.7%) and medical students (60.1%, 40.8%, 17.9%) (<I>P</I>=0.494, <I>P</I>=0.001, <I>P</I>=0.012). Furthermore, for reasons following previous experience, time-saving, and easy availability of drugs from pharmacies, the difference was statistically different between the two groups, with an increase in medical students compared to patients. The major source of information was pharmacies. Ninety-seven patients (90%) and 364 students (88.8%) got their antibiotics based on pharmacist consultancy. SMA is a common practice among patients and medical students in Tunisia. This infers the need for interventions to prevent the SMA, such as the implementation of appropriate health organizations for public education concerning the risks and consequences for the health of SMA.

Prevalence and Factors of Self-medication with Antibiotics in Claiborne County, Tennessee.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern to public health, causing an estimated 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Misuse of antimicrobials increases the rate of AMR. Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a primary contributor to AMR that can be addressed through education. SMA has been reported at rates of 3% to 66% in the U.S. but has not been evaluated in Appalachia.1 Low health literacy and barriers to accessing care have been correlated with SMA and are common in many areas of Appalachia. This study aims to assess factors associated with SMA, demographic differences in knowledge of / beliefs about SMA, and describe practices and beliefs of those who self-medicate in the Cumberland Gap region. Structured interviews were conducted in a rural health clinic and in a dental office to ascertain demographic information, knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use, and behaviors associated with self-medication. Inferential statistics (chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and ANOVA tests) were conducted. In the last 3 years, 41% of the 78 respondents had practiced SMA. A higher percentage of those who believed that antibiotics are used to treat viral infections have self-treated compared to those who did not hold that belief. Of those who SMA, convenience was the most common reason, while the common symptoms treated were congestion and fever. The current study provides a first estimate of SMA in the Central Appalachian Region and finds the prevalence to be higher than previously reported in other regions of the U.S. Future studies could include larger, more representative samples and longitudinal study designs to confirm these findings.

Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Nursing Students in Serbia: Pilot Study

Abstract Healthcare professionals should serve as promoters of rational antibiotic use in attempt to decrease antibiotics misuse within the process of self-medication. Current pilot study was undertaken with the aim to identify potential predictors of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) and to describe SMA practice among nursing students in Serbia. Data have been collected during the period March-May, 2016 in Medical school of bachelor degree, in Belgrade. Self-reported questionnaire served as a data source. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse study sample characteristics. Chi-square test was used to test differences between groups. Study sample have included 138 participants. Almost half of them, 43.8%, practice SMA. Life style (smoking, alcohol consumption, sleeping habits and physical activity) and socio-demographic characteristics (excepted school grade) were not shown as SMA determinants. Time &amp; money savings were stated as the most frequent reason for SMA, while common cold, sore throat and cough were the most common conditions cured through SMA. Pharmacists’ recommendations and previous positive experience were specified as the most important in the process of antibiotics selection, indicated by 50.0% and 37.5% participants, respectively. Amoxicillin was the most frequently used antibiotic in SMA, used by 50% of participants who practice SMA. High proportion of SMA and observed practice among nursing students in Serbia call for efforts with regards to relevant education about rational antibiotic use, actual clinical guidelines and potential consequences of misuse.

Prevalence of inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics and related factors among chinese antibiotic users: an online cross-sectional survey

BackgroundInappropriate use of antibiotics could have a profound negative impact on individual and community. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics in Chinese antibiotic users and explored their related factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018. A structured questionnaire was widely distributed on the online survey platform (Questionnaire Star, https://www.wjx.cn) and was used to collect data from respondents in China on demographic and sociological characteristics, antibiotic use and related knowledge. Main outcomes included self-medication with antibiotics (SMA), self-storage with antibiotics (SSA), and non-adherence to antibiotic treatment (NAAT). Logistic regression was used to identify the related factors of above inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics.ResultsOf the 15,526 participants, 37.1% reported SMA in the past 6 months, 67.9% reported SSA in the past 6 months, and 48.3%, 15.2%, 25.5% and 78.0% of respondents said that they had missed antibiotics, increased antibiotic dosage, decreased antibiotic dosage, and discontinued antibiotics once symptoms disappear, respectively. Overall, 53.3% reported NAAT during this period. After adjusting for other variables, multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that those aged 30–44 years old, with higher levels of education, poorer status of self-perceived health, or lower levels of antibiotic knowledge were more likely to have these inappropriate use behaviors of SMA, SSA, and NAAT (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of SMA, SSA, and NAAT is high in China. Developing a nationwide action plan for the rational use of antibiotics among publics, including national media publicity, online and offline health education, and medication guidance from general practitioners, is urgently needed.

Prevalence and predictors of self-medication with antibiotics in selected urban and rural districts of the Dodoma region, Central Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAntibiotic resistance is a global health threat driven partly by self-medication with antibiotics (SMA). This study aims to assess the prevalence and predictors of SMA in selected rural and urban communities of the Dodoma region, Central Tanzania.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Chemba District Council (rural) and Dodoma City Council (urban) from August to November 2019 using multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires.ResultsA total of 430 respondents were interviewed in Chemba District Council (rural) (161/430) and Dodoma City Council (urban) (269/430). The prevalence of SMA was 23.6% (38/161) among rural respondents and 23.4% (63/269) among urban respondents. The median amount of SMA in both settings was 2, while the maximum amounts were 4 and 5, respectively. SMA among rural and urban participants was associated mostly with perceived cough (76.3%/82%), body pain (71.1%/41.5%) and fever (63.2%/39.7%), and amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic in both settings (47.3%/41%). Rural participants who reported a shorter perceived distance to a health care facility than to a drug outlet were 58.9% less likely to practise SMA (adjusted OR: 0.421; 95% CI: 0.388, 0.458; p < 0.001), whereas SMA decreased by 16.3% among urban participants who reported a shorter perceived distance to a health care facility than to a drug outlet (adjusted OR: 0.837; 95% CI: 0.755, 0.929; p < 0.001). SMA was 17.3% lower among farmers than among nonfarmers in the urban area (adjusted OR: 0.827; 95% CI: 0.716, 0.955; p = 0.01), while farming had no effect in the rural area.ConclusionsThe prevalence of SMA is similar among participants in rural and urban districts. In both localities, a shorter perceived distance to a drug outlet is an independent risk factor for SMA, while having health insurance reduces the risk. Equally weighted interventions to reduce SMA are required in rural and urban communities.

A cross-sectional study on COVID-19-related changes in self-medication with antibiotics.

Dental treatments have been limited to emergency care in many countries worldwide due to the global rapid spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Fear of contracting the disease in dental clinics has also altered the pattern of dental visits and self-medication. The present study compared self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) and the pattern of dental visits before and after the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in a referral dental clinic in the north of Iran. The data for the present cross-sectional study was collected from 756 patient records retrieved from the archives of the Faculty Clinic of Rasht School of Dentistry during two separate periods: before the COVID-19 pandemic from mid-November 2019 to mid-February 2020, and after the pandemic emergence from mid-April to mid-July 2020. In addition to demographic variables namely age, gender, and place of residence of patients, their smoking status, chief complaint, and SMA were also extracted from patient records. The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression models with 95% confidence interval served for statistical analysis. In total, 756 patient records (412 records from the pre-pandemic period and 344 records from the post-pandemic period) were evaluated. SMA was significantly more prevalent after the pandemic compared to that before pandemic (OR = 3.39, 95% CI = 2.43-4.73, P<0.001). The number of patients who smoke significantly decreased after the pandemic by 6.6% compared to that in pre-pandemic period. Dental pain, pus discharge, and abscess as the chief complaints of patients were significantly more prevalent during the post-pandemic period; while, dental checkups, tooth hypersensitivity, and esthetic dental problems were significantly more frequent as the chief complaints of patients during the pre-pandemic period. There is indication that during the COVID-19 pandemic, SMA and prevalence of acute dental problems in patients have increased. With regard to the consequences of SMA, there is a need to raise public awareness on this matter.

Self-Medication with Antibiotics: Prevalence, Practices and Related Factors among the Pakistani Public.

Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) has become considerably common in developing countries, which is a critical factor for driving antibiotic resistance. Individuals involved in SMA generally do not have adequate knowledge regarding the appropriate use, indications and dosage of these drugs. The objective of the present study was to investigate population SMA practices, knowledge and sociodemographic factors associated with SMA in Islamabad, Pakistan. The study adopted a cross-sectional methodology and data collection was performed through an anonymous, structured and pilot-tested questionnaire, which was interview-administered. Inferential statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Out of 480 participants, 55.6% (n = 267) were male with a mean age of 37.1 ± 10.1 years; the total prevalence of SMA was 32.5%. Ciprofloxacin (42.9%) was the most commonly used antibiotic to treat coughs or colds, a runny nose, flu or sore throat, diarrhea or fevers, which were relevant reasons for SMA. Findings from multivariate logistic regression showed that predictors of SMA were: male gender (95% CI: 0.383–1.005), age (95% CI: 0.317–0.953) and highest level of education (95% CI: 0.961–0.649). Despite reasonable access to healthcare facilities, people are still obtaining antibiotics without prescription, bypassing diagnostic and consultative healthcare services. Thus, the government must implement strict healthcare policies to restrict the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions, while at the same time, targeted public awareness campaigns about the proper use of antibiotics are also required.

Trends in Practices of Self-Medication with Antibiotics among Medical Undergraduates in India.

Background:Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) without the consultation of a professional is a serious health concern and can lead to serious health hazard. This study was designed to evaluate the trends in SMA behavior and risk factors in medical undergraduates to further explore the association between SMA practices and adverse drug events (ADEs).Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out among 360 volunteering medical undergraduates at a tertiary care teaching hospital in New Delhi.Results:67.78% of students (244/360) gave a history of SMA practice with females dominating (54.09%). Out of 244 students giving a positive history of SMA, 182 (74.59%) experienced ADE, reflecting a strong positive association between the two. Convenience (86.07%) was observed to be the main reason of practicing SMA in this study. Over-the-counter sale of prescription-only drugs, namely antibiotics by the community pharmacies, is as high as 90.16%, leading to the main source of acquiring antibiotics for self-medication. Fever (47.54%) and respiratory infections (39.34%) emerged as the major indications for SMA. Extended-spectrum penicillins (60.66%) were the most commonly used class of antibiotics for SMA.Conclusion:Our findings endorse high SMA prevalence among Indian medical students. Strict regulations on antibiotic sales and public education reinforced by strong antibiotic stewardship program at all levels are highly recommended.

Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics and Associated Factors among the Public of Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundSelf-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is an important public health issue, which can result in the facilitated development of antibiotic resistance, and may increase the risk of inappropriate utilization of antibiotics. So, the objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence rate of SMA and to also explore SMA practices among the lay population of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).MethodsThe current study was cross-sectional population-based and used a convenient sampling technique. Moreover, Lorenz’s formula was used to calculate the sample size and the required sample size was 480. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a pre-validated questionnaire and the study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and logistic regression were executed by using SPSS version 24.ResultsOut of 480 participants, 45.8% were polled male and the prevalence of SMA in this study was found to be 15.1%. The majority of participants 23.1% indicated that they practiced antibiotics at least once in the last six months. The commonly self-medicated antibiotics were amoxicillin-clavulanate 20.6%, ampicillin/cloxacillin 14.2%, and levofloxacin 8.3%. Moreover, 64.8% of participants indicated that they bought their antibiotics from pharmacies. Whereas, most of the participants practice antibiotics to save money 19.2% and time 23.1%. Findings from multivariate logistic regressions showed that predictors of SMA were male gender, (95% CI: 0.300–0.877) occupation (95% CI: 0.122–10.797), health insurance (95% CI: 0.025–0.472), and education (95% CI: 0.084–0.800).ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that SMA persists among the community and education level has a significant impact on this behavior. Thus, concerning health management authorities should step in with developing legislation to stop this practice, and by implementing such interventions and policies to educate and to raise awareness about the risk of SMA for the future.

Prevalence and determinants of self-medication with antibiotics among general population in Afghanistan

ABSTRACT Objective Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a common cause of antibiotic resistance, a major public health problem. This research aimed to identify the prevalence of SMA and explore reasons for practicing SMA among people living in Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2017 in 12 community pharmacies operating across Kabul, Afghanistan. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the factors associated with the use of SMA. Results Out of 385 participants, 282 (73.2%) practiced SMA during the last year. Overall, 241 (62.6%) were ‘very concerned’ about the use of SMA, and 156 (40.5%) highlighted it is bad to practice SMA. The top three antibiotics used for self-medication were penicillin (ATC class: J01C), metronidazole (ATC: P01AB01), and ceftriaxone (ATC: J01DD04). Economic problems, lack of time to visit doctors, and ease of use were cited as the main reasons for practicing SMA. Furthermore, female participants were less likely to practice SMA compared to male counterparts. Conclusion While efforts should be directed to enforce strict drug regulations system and awareness programs, priority should be given to provide accessible, affordable, and quality health care services to increase citizen’s compliance to appropriate drug prescriptions.

Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and its related factors among Chinese residents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSelf-medication is one of the most common forms of inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in China and evaluate the related factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wuhan, Hubei, China from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019. Participants were recruited in public places to answer a structured questionnaire. The information of participants’ social demographic characteristics, antibiotic knowledge and health beliefs were collected. Binary Logistics regression analysis was used to examine the associated factors of SMA.ResultsOf the 3206 participants, 10.32% reported SMA in the past 6 months. Participants who with middle or high perceived barriers to seek health care services showed a higher likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). Participants who with middle or high perceived threats of self-medication, and who with middle or high self-efficacy to overcome obstacles showed a lower likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with developed countries, the prevalence of SMA in China is still higher. Measures to conduct public health education and improve the accessibility of health services are crucial to decrease the overall self-medication rate in China.

Comparative assessment of the prevalence, practices and factors associated with self‐medication with antibiotics in Africa

To evaluate and compare the prevalence, reasons, sources and factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) within Africa. Systematic review and meta-analysis. An electronic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed for observational studies conducted between January 2005 and February 2020. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts using the PRISMA flowchart and performed quality assessment of eligible studies. Both qualitative and quantitative syntheses were carried out. Forty studies from 19 countries were eligible for qualitative synthesis. The prevalence of SMA in Africa ranged from 12.1% to 93.9% with a median prevalence of 55.7% (IQR 41-75%). Western Africa was the sub-region with the highest reported prevalence of 70.1% (IQR 48.3-82.1%), followed by Northern Africa with 48.1% (IQR 41.1-64.3%). We identified 27 antibiotics used for self-medication from 13 different antibiotic classes. Most frequently used antibiotics were penicillins (31 studies), tetracyclines (25 studies) and fluoroquinolones (23 studies). 41% of these antibiotics belong to the WHO Watch Group. The most frequent indications for SMA were upper respiratory tract infections (27 studies), gastrointestinal tract symptoms (25 studies) and febrile illnesses (18 studies). Common sources of antibiotics used for self-medication were community pharmacies (31 studies), family/friends (20 studies), leftover antibiotics (19 studies) and patent medicine stores (18 studies). The most frequently reported factor associated with SMA was no education/low educational status (nine studies). The prevalence of SMA is high in Africa and varies across sub-regions with the highest prevalence reported in Western Africa. Drivers of SMA are complex, comprising of socio-economic factors and insufficient access to health care coupled with poorly implemented policies regulating antibiotic sales.

Prevalence of antibiotic self-medication behavior and related factors among children aged 0 to 5 years

ABSTRACT Background: Self-medication behavior has great adverse effects on children. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) among children aged 0–5 years and explore the related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 1 July 2019 to 31 July 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province (Central China). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 1188 parents of children aged 0–5 years on sociodemographic characteristics, SMA among children, antibiotic knowledge and health beliefs of SMA. Results: Of the 1188 participants, 14.32% had self-medicated their children with antibiotics in the past 6 months. The higher the degree of perceived threat (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89–1.00) and self-efficacy (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89–0.98), the less likely parents were to self-medicate their children. On the contrary, the higher the degree of perceived barriers, the more likely parents were to self-medicate their children with antibiotics (OR = 1.058, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11). Conclusions: Health beliefs of parents were significantly associated with SMA among children. In addition to extensive health education, the Chinese government should also improve the accessibility and quality of health services to reduce the barriers of parental behavior change.