Self-Medication with Antibiotics, Attitude and Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance among Community Residents and Undergraduate Students in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study set out to evaluate self-medicated antibiotics and knowledge of antibiotic resistance among undergraduate students and community members in northern Nigeria. Antibiotic consumption pattern, source of prescription, illnesses commonly treated, attitude towards antibiotics, and knowledge of antibiotic resistance were explored using a structured questionnaire. Responses were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics. Of the 1230 respondents from undergraduate students and community members, prescription of antibiotics by a physician was 33% and 57%, respectively, amongst undergraduate students and community members. We tested the respondents’ knowledge of antibiotic resistance (ABR) and found that undergraduate students displayed less knowledge that self-medication could lead to ABR (32.6% and 42.2% respectively). Self-medication with antibiotics is highly prevalent in Northwest Nigeria, with most medicines being purchased from un-licensed stores without prescription from a physician. We also observed a significant gap in respondents’ knowledge of ABR. There is an urgent need for public health authorities in Nigeria to enforce existing laws on antibiotics sales and enlighten the people on the dangers of ABR.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices about antibiotic resistance among medical students in India

“…Mixed findings have been observed by many authors in this regard. [4,11,21,23,25,29] The mean score % of awareness for the fact that poor or lack of infection control measures is a cause for development of resistance was 63% in the present study. Similar level of awareness has been coated by other studies from different parts of the world.…”

“…Many studies have reported low level of awareness among students in this regard. [4,14,23–25] A high level of disagreement (84.7%) was observed among the students to the point that antibiotics are indicated to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. Similar kind of disagreement has been observed by Sakeena MHF et.al.…”

“…Contrary to these, Ajibola O et.al (2018) had observed relatively lower level of disagreement (62.8%) in this regard. [23]…”

“…[13,21,25] There are other studies also in which understanding of students about the basic mechanism of antimicrobial resistance was reported quite lower. [23,26–28] As much as 88.7% disagreement was observed for the statement that, “if symptoms improve before completing the full course of antibiotic, you can stop taking it”. Mixed findings have been observed by many authors in this regard.…”

“…This finding was quite higher than reported by other studies. [14,23] Major source of information about antibiotic resistance was their academic course, followed by internet, general practitioners, newspaper, television and discussions at home. Similar findings have been reported by other studies as well.…”