Resumen

Background: Self-medication with antibiotics may increase the risk of inappropriate use and the selection of resistant bacteria. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in Abu Dhabi. Methodology: A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test when applicable. One thousand subjects were invited to participate in the study. Results: Eight hundred sixty questionnaires were completed, with a respondent rate of 86%, consisting of 66% males and 34% females. Among the 860 participants, 485 (56%) reported the use of antibiotics within the last year. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most commonly used (46.3%). The survey showed a significant association between antibiotics used and age group (p < 0.001). Of the participants surveyed, 393 (46%) stated that they intentionally use antibiotics as self-medication without a medical consultation, a behavior that is significantly affected by educational levels (p 0.001). Two hundred forty-five (28%) participants stored antibiotics at home. These antibiotics were mostly acquired fron community pharmacies without prescriptions (p 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that antibiotic self-medication is a relatively frequent problem in Abu Dhabi. Interventions are required in order to reduce the frequency of antibiotic misuse.

Palabras clave: Self-medication antibiotics rational use.

2009-12-23   |   509 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 3 Núm.7. Agosto 2009 Pags. 491-497. J Infect Developing Countries 2009; 3(7)