Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in a Jordanian population, and to evaluate the sociodemographic factors affecting this behaviour.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 477 patients aged 16-65 years attending the Department of Dentistry, University of Jordan Hospital. Socio-demographic data were collected and interviewees were asked about their SMA behaviour during the last 6 months, the reasons and motives for this behaviour, and the source and dose of the antibiotics were noted.
RESULTS: The prevalence rate of SMA in the sample during the 6 months preceding the interview was 40.7% (194/477). Patients aged 36-55 years and those in the middle-class income group were most likely to perform SMA. SMA was mainly for sore throats, common colds and dental infections, and community pharmacies were the major source (104, 53.6% cases). Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic, and only 73 (37.6%) patients followed the correct dosage guidelines. Previous experience with similar illness and saving time were the most common reasons for SMA. Ninety-four (19.7%) patients admitted that they consulted another physician to obtain antibiotics when their first physician did not prescribe any.
CONCLUSION: The findings showed that SMA was a frequent practice among Jordanians, signifying the need for an educational campaign on the proper use of antibiotics in this population.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 21-25 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Age Distribution
- Aged
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Dentistry
- Drug Utilization
- Female
- Hospitals
- Humans
- Interviews as Topic
- Jordan
- Logistic Models
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Self Medication
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Young Adult
- Journal Article