Misuse of Antibiotic Therapy among University Community in South Jordan

Abstract

Misuse of antibiotic is a common problem worldwide; of the common features of this problem were failure to complete the course of treatment, skipping doses, reusing leftover antibiotics, or self-treatment with antibiotics. This indeed can have a negative impact on individuals and community on both economic and health levels. It was established that misusing antibiotics might be a major determinant in the development of bacterial resistance, which became a major global public health problem. In Jordan, antibiotic misuse was highly extended with high prevalence of self-medication and inappropriate use of antibiotics. For understanding the growing resistance to antibiotics and the health problems associated with their inappropriate use.This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and the risk factors associated with antibiotic misuse among AlHussein Bin Talal University Community. Survey study recruited 500 university students and staff using stratified randomization technique in a 4-week period and used a questionnaire asking about demographic data and the use of antibiotics. Participants in this study reported obtaining information on antibiotic use from sources, like physicians (33.7%), enclosed leaflets (20%), and pharmacist (18%). Reasons for re-using antibiotics without a prescription in this study related to positive previous experience with the antibiotic and the difficulty reaching a physician, and half the participants used the antibiotic for three days or less depending mainly on the symptoms. The controlled use of antibiotics is cornerstone to reduce antibiotic resistance; therefore, it is crucial to limit the use of antibiotics to the prescribed ones by a physician who received proper training, and thus minimizing the improper administration of antibiotics. Increase community awareness on the proper use of antibiotics.

What drives using antibiotic without prescriptions? A qualitative interview study of university students in United Arab Emirates

“…This reason was not a prevalent factor in some studies. 24 , 25 However, other studies claimed that lack of time and previous experience with similar symptoms are influential factors promoting self-medication. 5 , 26 Moreover, lack of time intermingles with the urgency of use.…”

Knowledge and behavior of consumers towards the non-prescription purchase of antibiotics: An insight from a qualitative study from New Delhi, India

“…37 Studies from developing nations like China mainly reported convenience and cost saving, and South Jordan reported previous positive experience with the antibiotics and difficulty reaching physician especially for low-income population as prevalent factors in the practice of self-medication among consumers. 38,39 Our study also identified the lack of comprehensive knowledge and poor understanding of antibiotics among consumers. Consumers are unaware of correct usage and proper administration of antibiotics, rather they have misapprehensions about antibiotics.…”

“… 37 Studies from developing nations like China mainly reported convenience and cost saving, and South Jordan reported previous positive experience with the antibiotics and difficulty reaching physician especially for low-income population as prevalent factors in the practice of self-medication among consumers. 38 , 39 …”

Knowledge, beliefs and habits of public university students from Southern Serbia regarding usage of antibiotics

“…although with a smaller per cent than students in Nepal (98.2 per cent) (Shrestha, 2019: 76), but larger than in South Jordan (67.2 per cent) (Nawafleh et al, 2017). Nevertheless, as 23.9 per cent identified that antibiotics could kill viruses too, there is room for improvement.…”