Towards Good Health and Well-Being; Antibiotic Misuse in the General Population

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Anesthesia Techniques Department, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Al-Mustaqbal University, 51001, Babylon, Iraq.

2 Department of Clinical pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, 61519 Minia, Egypt

Abstract

Background: The uncontrolled use of antibiotics in a random manner, especially in areas lacking health supervision, is concerning. This study aims to demonstrate random usage rates among different segments of society, including males and females, educated and uneducated individuals, and urban and rural areas. It also seeks to identify which age groups consume the most antibiotics, and to what extent users are aware of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,000 copies of questionnaires were distributed, focusing on scientific and cognitive questions and reasons for the random use of antibiotics, as well as the sources of obtaining these drugs in the Babil Governorate. Results: Out of 2,000 respondents, the most notable result was that 1,394 individuals (69.7%) used antibiotics without a prescription, while 606 individuals (30.3%) completed the prescribed course. Among the educated, 1,248 (62.4%) used drugs without a prescription. In urban populations, 1,152, (57.6%) used drugs randomly. A total of 1,184 individuals, (59.2%) indicated they had never heard of antibiotic resistance. The main reasons participants resorted to this usage were an aversion to visiting the doctor (580 individuals, 29%) and the proximity of a pharmacy (559 individuals, 27.95%). Conclusions: This study revealed a high level of antibiotic misuse among the community segments in the Babylon Governorate. It is crucial to educate users about the operation of antibiotics and the necessity of limiting the unsystematic use of antibiotics.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Volume 15, Issue 2
June 2024
Pages 1088-1100

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