Prevalence and Predictors of Antibiotic Self-Medication in Sudan: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is one of the common factors which precipitate antimicrobial resistance, yet if effective implementations are amended it can be effortlessly controlled. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of SMA in Sudan. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design conducted in all Sudan states between June and December 2021. Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Binary logistic regression was computed to investigate the possible factors which associated with SMA. Results: Out of 1492 participants surveyed, 71.3% utilize antibiotics as self-medication. The derived reasons for SMA were convenience (63.3%) and cost-saving (34.8%). Tonsillitis was the most common ailment behind SMA (55.5%). Log-binominal regression revealed that non-insured and low level of education participants were more likely to predict SMA. Regarding the practice, 40% changed the dose and/or antibiotics mainly owing to improvement (53.7%) or worsening of the condition (37.9%). The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (32.5%). Conclusions: Two out of three individuals in Sudan practice SMA mainly to manage upper respiratory tract ailments. Thus, the necessity of implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program throughout the country, as well as implementing effective legislation to prohibit dispensing antibiotics without prescription is urgently required.

Factors Influencing Health-Seeking Behavior Among Sudanese Expatriates in Saudi Arabia, 2023. A Cross-Sectional Study

“…(30) Another study that assessed self-medication with antibiotics reported 87% of the participants. (31) This highlights the importance of healthcare system affordability and health insurance in promoting positive HSB, in addition to strict regulations that prevent pharmacists from giving drugs without prescriptions.…”

Antibiotic resistance in Sudan: urgent action required

“…Educational campaigns targeting responsible antibiotic use are indispensable in addressing this knowledge gap [3] . Furthermore, continuous training for healthcare providers on appropriate prescription practices, emphasizing antibiotic stewardship, and discouraging unnecessary antibiotic usage is crucial [4] .…”

“…Collaboration between healthcare institutions, researchers, and policymakers is crucial to developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance in Sudan. Interdisciplinary research initiatives can facilitate a better understanding of local factors driving resistance, leading to the development of context-specific interventions [4] .…”