Use of non-prescription antibiotics can portend danger and predispose the populace to changes in bacterial resistance pattern. The aims of this study were to (a) evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of residents of Al-Ahsa community, Saudi Arabia on the use of non-prescribed antibiotics. (b) To identify possible predictors (if any) for self-medication within the community. A cross-sectional survey study, using self-administered questionnaire was conducted in two sections; demographics and self-medication attitude (in form of self-antibiotic use). Questions contained the following outcomes; for demographics; gender, age, education level and common disease within the community. Whereas the second part evaluated sources of information, knowledge of antibiotics, frequency/duration of use, underlined illness in which drug use was employed, names of antibiotics used and awareness of adverse effects of antibiotics. Results revealed that the adult population in the 18-40 year age range constituted about 82.5% of the respondents. Also 18-29 age group made of 60.5% of the respondents and that 56.8% the respondents are university graduates. Cold (18.8%) and sore throat (13.0%) were the diseases commonly found among the community that drove them to using non-prescribed antibiotics. About 337 (72.8%) of the respondent mention the use of antibiotics to treat the illness, and 21 (4.5%) were aiming to prevent the illness. While, 19.4% of the respondents admitted to taking non-prescribed antibiotics for both prevention and treatment of illness. 43.6% of the respondents disclosed that they are not aware of the dangers of using non-prescribed antibiotics. In conclusion the use of non-prescribed antibiotics in this community is evident, as a significant number use them from previous experience for prevention and treatment of illness. Therefore introduction of rational use of drugs will help in limiting the attendant development of bacterial resistance.

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections, but they can cause more harm than good when not used properly. Reports have shown that non-prescription sale of antibiotics is prevalent in all communities European Journal of General MedicineOriginal Article Eur J Gen Med 2012;9(4):230-234 Eur J Gen Med 2012;9(4):230-234Irrational use and purchase of nonprescription antibiotics macies were approached for interview. A qualitative study design was adopted because it allows a flexible exploration of respondents' attitudes and experiences. A semi-structured interview guide was developed and used during the interview process after thorough reviewing of the literature. Fifteen community pharmacists were interviewed using the pre-defined themes.The interviews focused on the following issues: routinely dispensed antibiotics without prescription, adverse events due to the antibiotics use over the counter and pharmacist advice to the antibiotic consumers. The pre-testing of the interview guide was evaluated using five pharmacists. Participants' demographic data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire which was attached with the consent form. The same open-ended questions were asked to all interviewees and appropriate probing questions were used when necessary to draw out information required for the study from each of the respondents. Each interview lasted about 20 to 30 minutes and was conducted at a place and time convenient for the pharmacist in charge of the community pharmacy. All responses obtained during the interviews were audio-taped and at the end of interview were transcribed verbatim. The authors verified the tapes for its accuracy of transcription and then manually transcribed line by line for the relevant theme. Ethical ApprovalA written consent was taken from the community pharmacists and the relevant hospital in charge to participate in the interview. The college of clinical pharmacy, King Faisal University, approved the study protocol. Any information that exposes the identity of the interviewee was avoided. RESULTSFifteen pharmacists have participated in this study. A convenient sampling method was adopted to interview the pharmacists. Nearly all the interviewees were expatriates (Egyptian) holding a bachelor degree in pharmacy (B.Pharm). In terms of job experience about 5 (33.3%) were with a job experience 2-3 years, while others 10(76.7%) were with a job experience more than five years.