Use of antibiotics by adults: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The consumption of antibiotics has been widely discussed, mainly because of antibacterial resistance, which has become a worldwide concern. In Brazil, sale of antibiotics is currently ruled by Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) regulation RDC 20/2011, which restricts sales to those made under medical prescription. The aims of this study were to evaluate antibiotic use and associated factors among adults in the Metropolitan Region of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, and to assess the proportion of self-medication from this use. DESIGN AND SETTING: Population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Metropolitan Region of Manaus between May and August 2015. METHODS: Adults aged ≥ 18 years were selected through probabilistic sampling in three stages. Trained interviewers collected data from the participants in their homes. Antibiotic consumption over the last 15 days was reported. Bivariate analysis was used to calculate the prevalence ratio (PR) of antibiotic usage, with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A multivariate model adjusted according to significant variables at P ≤ 0.20 using Poisson regression with robust variance was constructed. RESULTS: The prevalence of antibiotic use was 3.4% (95% CI 2.8-4.0%). Adjusted analysis showed that consumption was higher among women than among men (PR 1.58; 95% CI 1.11-2.24) and among people with fair health status than among those with good health (PR 1.52; 95% CI 1.08-2.15). The prevalence of self-medication was 19.0%; amoxicillin was the most self-medicated antibiotic (10/26). CONCLUSION: Antibiotic use was associated with women and individuals with fair health status. One fifth of the antibiotics were consumed through self-medication, contrary to the current Brazilian legislation.

Microbial Resistance Movements: An Overview of Global Public Health Threats Posed by Antimicrobial Resistance, and How Best to Counter

“…The Latin American nations, including Brazil, are troubled by irrational consumption of antimicrobials, especially self-medication with antibiotics. Even though Brazilian medicine-related law does not permit self-medication with antibiotics, around one-fifth of their antibiotic total use was self-medicated ( 284 ). Another recent report shows a much higher rate of self-medication with antibiotics at 66.2%, with around 33% of patients consumed antibiotics without any microbial diseases ( 284 , 285 ).…”

“…Even though Brazilian medicine-related law does not permit self-medication with antibiotics, around one-fifth of their antibiotic total use was self-medicated ( 284 ). Another recent report shows a much higher rate of self-medication with antibiotics at 66.2%, with around 33% of patients consumed antibiotics without any microbial diseases ( 284 , 285 ). In 2010 the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency developed a new policy for antibiotic sales over the counter without a prescription.…”

Erros De Prescrição E Dispensação De Antimicrobianos Em Uma Farmácia Comunitária

“…Os agentes antimicrobianos são fármacos que interrompem ou previnem o crescimento de microrganismos patogênicos no organismo, e estão entre os medicamentos mais comumente empregados em todo o mundo. A antibioticoterapia é composta por um conjunto de ações que visam otimizar a terapêutica, por meio da escolha mais apropriada, para cada tratamento em particular, da dose, via e tempo de administração específicos, para minimizar os efeitos indesejáveis, reduzir a toxicidade e evitar a resistência bacteriana 8 . No Brasil, a venda de antibióticos é regulamentada desde 2010 e hoje é regida pela Resolução de Diretoria Colegiada (RDC) número 20 de 2011 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, Anvisa 9 .…”

Use of health services by adults in Manaus, 2019

“…[7] Self-medication with antibiotics was reported by a 5th of the people who used these prescription drugs in fortnight previous to interview. [8]…”