Factors which influence Latino community members to self-prescribe antibiotics.
BACKGROUND
Although there is consistent evidence of a link between antibiotic use and increasing antimicrobial resistance in the community, inappropriate use of antimicrobials continues to be a global problem.


OBJECTIVE
To describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Latino community members in upper Manhattan regarding use of antibiotics.


METHODS
Written questionnaires and eight focus groups comprised of Hispanic community members (three groups), bodega employees, and healthcare providers (one group) in a Latino neighborhood in New York City.


RESULTS
There were major knowledge deficits regarding use of antibiotics. Informants reported taking antibiotics for pain or other conditions as well as for symptoms of infection. Antibiotics were frequently obtained from bodegas without prescription, but generally only for adults, not for children.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventions to improve antibiotic use that are focused on the formal healthcare system (e.g., clinicians, pharmacists, persons with health insurance) are unlikely to be effective with recently immigrated Latino community members. Successful interventions for this population should include targeted messages to bodega employees, community organizations, and children and their parents.
Larson
Elaine L
EL
School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. ell23@columbia.edu
Dilone
Joann
J
Garcia
Magaly
M
Smolowitz
Janice
J
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D012651:Self Medication
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents