Antibiotics self-medication practices among health care professionals in selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa
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Date
2019-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction: Self-medication is the first option and response to most illness episodes. Use of antimicrobials without health care professionals’ guidance may result in greater probability of inappropriate, missed diagnosis, delays in appropriate treatment, pathogen resistance and increased morbidity. There is no sector in the health care community which is immune to drug abuse or misuse of which the worst offenders include Physicians, Nurses and Pharmacists. Self-medication among health care professionals may be an indicator that the health professional is neglecting his or her own health. This is important because the health habits and attitudes of health care professionals influence the counseling and care they provide to patients. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of self-medication practices of antibiotics and factors associated with it among health care professionals in selected hospitals of Addis Ababa. Methods: Cross-sectional survey using self-administered questionnaires was employed to collect information from health professionals working in hospitals which were selected by using simple random sampling method. Data were collected from April to May, 2017. Results: A total of 317 respondents participated in this study. The prevalence of self-medication using antibiotics among health care professionals in one month recall period was found to be 72 (22.7%). The main reasons given for this were being familiar with the treatment options 31 (37%) , to get quick relief 25 (30%), lack of time. Respiratory problems accounted for self-medication 29 (40.3%) followed by gastro intestinal problems 28 (38.9%) were the two most common perceived illnesses for self-medication with antibiotics. Penicillins 30 (42%) and Fluroquinolones 29 (40%) were the most commonly used antibiotics for self-medication. None of the variables had significant association with the practice of self-medication with antibiotics. Conclusions and Recommendations: Overall, the prevalence of self-medication using antibiotics among health care professionals was high, which might contribute for the increasing antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the regulatory body should strictly regulate the sale of antibiotics without prescription. Regular short term training for all health care professionals on antibiotic self-medication and the consequences of antimicrobial resistance should be done to curb these practices.
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Keywords
Self-medication, Antibiotics, Health Care Professionals