Assessment of self-medication of antibiotics in a Jordanian population.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the extent of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in a Jordanian population, and to evaluate the sociodemographic factors affecting this behaviour.


METHODS
Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 477 patients aged 16-65 years attending the Department of Dentistry, University of Jordan Hospital. Socio-demographic data were collected and interviewees were asked about their SMA behaviour during the last 6 months, the reasons and motives for this behaviour, and the source and dose of the antibiotics were noted.


RESULTS
The prevalence rate of SMA in the sample during the 6 months preceding the interview was 40.7% (194/477). Patients aged 36-55 years and those in the middle-class income group were most likely to perform SMA. SMA was mainly for sore throats, common colds and dental infections, and community pharmacies were the major source (104, 53.6% cases). Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic, and only 73 (37.6%) patients followed the correct dosage guidelines. Previous experience with similar illness and saving time were the most common reasons for SMA. Ninety-four (19.7%) patients admitted that they consulted another physician to obtain antibiotics when their first physician did not prescribe any.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings showed that SMA was a frequent practice among Jordanians, signifying the need for an educational campaign on the proper use of antibiotics in this population.
Sawair
Faleh A
FA
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. sawair@ju.edu.jo
Baqain
Zaid H
ZH
Abu Karaky
Ashraf
A
Abu Eid
Rasha
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003813:Dentistry; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007597:Jordan; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents