[The use of antibiotics in a community of Mexico City. I. A household survey].
Based on previous community-oriented studies an irrational use of antibiotics, particularly in developing countries, has been suggested. In order to describe the pattern of antibiotic use in a periurban community in Mexico City, 1659 randomly selected households were visited and an interview to the housewife was carried out. Of 8279 individuals 425 (5%) had used at least one antimicrobial in the preceding two weeks. Main perceived reasons for drug use were: respiratory tract ailments (58%) and acute diarrhea (25%). Antibiotic therapy was given in 27% of respiratory diseases and in 37% of all diarrheal episodes. Most commonly used drugs were: penicillins (43%), erythromycin (13%), metronidazole (9%), neomycin (6%), cotrimoxazole (6%) and tetracyclines (6%). While self-medication was common (19%) the majority of antibiotics were prescribed by a physician (81%). Approximately two thirds of individuals using an antibiotic did it for less than five days. Our data suggest a frequent misuse of antibiotics and support the future assessment, in this community, of physician prescribing practices, the determinants of self-medication as well as the impact of this drug use on the selection of resistant bacterial strains.
Bojalil
R
R
Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, D. F.
Calva
J J
JJ
Ortega
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D013383:Suburban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents