Assessment of antibiotic storage practices, knowledge, and awareness related to antibiotic uses and antibiotic resistance among household members in post-conflict areas of Pakistan: Bi-central study

Abstract

BackgroundThe storage of antimicrobials at home is frequently in-practice in various developing countries, resulting an irrational use, antibiotic resistance, and toxicities. This condition may worsen more in conflict zones where health facilities are limited. This study aimed to determine the storage and use of leftover antibiotics among households (HHs) along with knowledge and awareness about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (ABR).MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Members of HHs were invited to participate in the survey while using a convenient sampling technique. The data were obtained using a validated questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS.ResultsA total of 96 HHs were randomly selected from two districts (n = 50, n = 46), with most of the participants being men between the ages of 18 and 28 (n = 45, 46.9%) years. The majority of HHs (n = 32, 33.3%) had six to eight total family members, with one to two chronic diseases (n = 63, 65.6%), individual families (n = 60, 62.5%), and with (n = 35, 36.5%) LRTIs (lower respiratory tract infections). The HHs were aware of the word “antibiotic” (n = 59, 61.5%) and gave correct replies to amoxicillin as an antibiotic (n = 42, 43.8%); on the other hand, HHs also thought of paracetamol as an antibiotic (n = 45, 47.9%). They identified the most common brands of antibiotics easily, and a majority of them (n = 69, 71.9%) had never heard of ABR before and had lower levels of awareness. The most stored antibiotic at home (n=38, 39.6%) was azithromycin (J01FA10). In addition, they had multiple needless (1–2, n = 62, 64.6%; 3–4, n = 29, 30.2%) and antibiotics in their houses. Age had a strong association (p = 0.017, H = 12) affected the mean knowledge scores related to antibiotic use. Association of education levels (p = 0.001, H = 52.8) and occupation (p = 0.04, H = 10) with proper antibiotics use were found to be significant. However, family members with more than one chronic illness (p = 0.09, H = 0.8) showed a significant relationship with their awareness of antibiotics.ConclusionParticipants generally stored various antibiotics of different classes in their homes. Lack of knowledge related to the appropriate usage of antibiotics, use of leftover antibiotics, and awareness related to ABR were unknown to the participants.

Assessment of home storage of antimicrobials and its predictors in Mecha demographic surveillance and field research center: a cross-sectional study

“…Age groups 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, and ≥ 55 store antimicrobials at home more compared to age groups < 25 years old. A similar finding has been reported in China [ 36 , 37 ]. In addition to storage, age was reported as one of the predictors of self-medication in a study elsewhere [ 38 ].…”

“…Respondents who attended primary, secondary, and tertiary educational were more likely to keep antimicrobials at home compared to those unable to read and write. In support of our finding, higher rate of keeping practice of a stock of antibiotics at home had been reported when the family has educated family member or a family member working in health related field [ 3 , 37 , 42 , 43 ]. Although education enhances acquisition of information on antimicrobials, the information could initiate users to practice self-medication without having a clear and sufficient understanding of utilization of antimicrobials.…”

Prevalence and determinants of antibiotics self-medication among indigenous people of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

“…Because of this lengthy usage, their expertise regarding this topic has increased. Even family members of just one or two chronic patients were found to have a better understanding of antibiotics than those who do not have such patients in their family 74 75…”