Public knowledge of antibiotics, self-medication, and household disposal practices in Jordan.
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther
; 21(4): 477-487, 2023 04.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36843495
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This study aimed to assess public understanding of antibiotics, self-medication, and drug disposal practices.METHODS:
A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was undertaken in Jordan.RESULTS:
The study was completed by 1,105 participants. When asked about their knowledge of antibiotics, rational antibiotic use, and disposal practices, 16% percent believed they should discontinue antibiotics once they felt better, and 12% agreed to take the same antibiotics prescribed to others for the same illness. Self-medication with antibiotics was practiced by 44% of the participants. Prior experience, healthcare costs, and pharmacy location were all major determinants of self-medication. Only 6.4% of unneeded antibiotics were returned to the pharmacy, 60% were kept at home, and 26.6% were disposed of at home. Almost half of those who kept the antibiotics said they would use them again, and one-third said they would give them to friends and family. Respondents who had used antibiotics within the previous 6 months (p = 0.052) and relied on medication leaflets (p = 0.031) and physician recommendations (p = 0.001) were less likely to self-medicate with antibiotics.CONCLUSIONS:
The study highlighted areas of inappropriate use of antibiotics, self-medication and the improper antibiotic disposal that can inform antimicrobial stewardship.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
/
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Type of study:
Guideline
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Jordan