Assessment of self-medication in population buying antibiotics in pharmacies: a pilot study from Beirut and its suburbs

作者：Cheaito Lina; Azizi Sophie; Saleh Nadine^*; Salameh Pascale

来源：International Journal of Public Health, 2014, 59(2): 319-327.

DOI：10.1007/s00038-013-0493-y

• Self-medication
• Antibiotic
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Antibiotic misuse

This study was performed to assess self-medication with antibiotics (ATB) in the general population and its associated factors.
Face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted to collect data from ATB buyers in pharmacies in Beirut area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to predict self-medication.
42 % of 319 participants were buying ATB without prescription and the pharmacists were the main helpers (18.8 %). Saving time was the most common cited reason for self-medication with ATB (39.7 %). The logistic regression showed that self-medication with ATB was significantly increased among men [OR = 3.03; IC 95 % (2-5)]; it was associated with sore throat symptoms [OR = 2.38; IC 95 % (1.40-4.03)] and the ignorance of ATB use dangers [OR = 3.33; IC 95 % (1.96-5.55)]. In addition, it was prominent with amoxicillin [OR = 1.93; IC 95 % (0.17-1.34)], and inversely related to quinolone [OR = 0.44; IC 95 % (0.18-1.03)] and cephalosporin families [OR = 0.28; IC 95 % (0.11-1.68)] or other ATB classes [OR = 0.96; IC 95 % (0.41-2.22)].
Self-medication with antibiotics is a relatively frequent problem in Beirut area. Interventions are required to reduce antibiotic misuse.

• 出版日期2014-4