Knowledge and Antibiotics Self-medication Behaviours among Students of Non Medical Background: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotics are the life saving therapeutic agents used worldwide from neonates to geriatric patients for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Antibiotics Self-medication (ASM) is a major public health problem due to irrational and inappropriate use of antibiotics as a routine practice among public. Aim: To assess the knowledge and ASM behaviours among Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree students and also to estimate the prevalence of ASM among students of non medical background. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to November 2017 in Tumakuru, Karnataka, India, using a validated questionnaire. A total of 152 degree students were enrolled in the present study. The questionnaire consisted of 28 questions based on knowledge and behaviour towards self antibiotic medication practice was used to collect data from face to face interaction. Data were entered into MS excel and were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 19.0. Results: Out of 152 students, 93 (61.2%) were treated with antibiotics and among them 64 (42.1%) were self-medicated with antibiotics. Students self-medicated with antibiotics, due to convenience 32 (50%), lack of trust in doctor 9 (14.1%). Selection of antibiotic were maximally from the previous doctor’s prescription 30 (46%), followed by opinion of family members 16 (25%). Around 50% and 22% of the students obtained antibiotics from community pharmacist and from the left over from previous prescription, respectively. Conclusion: The ASM was practiced among students and was encouraged by the community pharmacists and family members. Even without the proper knowledge, due to convenience the ASM has increased among the students.

Keywords

• antibiotic resistance
• antimicrobials
• prescription
• public health