Irrational Self-Medication of Antibiotic in University of Kufa in  Annajaf

A. Razzak M. Noori, Ali

	Irrational Self-Medication of Antibiotic in University of Kufa in Annajaf
Medical Journal of Babylon
Article 1, Volume 7, Issue 1, 2010, Pages 222-232
Author
Ali A. Razzak M. Noori
Abstract
Background :Inappropriate antibiotic use refers to improper administration with respect to drug dose, interval duration (whether singly or collectively) in the light of proper clinical situations and/or financial considerations. The recognized effects of inappropriate use (whether overuse or underuse) of antibiotics are multiple: (1) rapid emergence of resistance, (2) selection pressure on resistant microorganisms, (3) adverse reactions, (4) treatment failures, (5) occurrence of preventable morbidity and mortality and (6) waste of resources. One of the triggers for using self-medication may be past experience with antibiotics prescribed by health professionals. We examined the association between prescribed use and self-medication with antibiotics. Aim:To estimate irrational self-medication with antibiotics by a population in Annajaf / IRAQ Design of study: Interview -based questionnaire study. Methods: In total, 1041 respondents were interviewed on their attitudes towards appropriateness of self-medication with antibiotics and situational use of antibiotics, beliefs about antibiotics for minor ailments, knowledge about the effectiveness of antibiotics on viruses and bacteria and awareness about antibiotic resistance. Public knowledge, beliefs, and experiences of antibiotics, as well as predictors of accurate knowledge of antibiotic effectiveness, were measured using 28 questions with sub-items. The questionnaire was given to a Annajaf /Iraq community-based 1041 individuals. Of these, 1041 eligible responders were invited to participate; 835 responders (82%) completed the questionnaire. Results: Of the 1041 respondents questioned, 853 (82%) well-informed antibiotic and 188(18%) mis-informed antibiotics. From well-informed only 558(65.4%) were self-medicated and 295(34.6%). The most frequently used agents were amoxycillin (50.2%), Cephalosporins (13.1%), Aminoglycosides (2.9%), Tetracycline's (0.9%), co-trimoxazole (0.8%), Macrolides (0.6%), and Quinolones (0.5%). Conclusions: Our study shows consistent associations between prescribed use and self-medication with antibiotics. Preventing leftovers may be one effective way of preventing self-medication. This can be achieved by ensuring that the amount dispensed corresponds to the amount prescribed, by educating patients and by making doctors aware that prescribing for minor ailments may increase the risk of self-medication for such ailments.

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