Self-medication with antibiotics by the community of Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.
BACKGROUND
Self-medication with antibiotics may increase the risk of inappropriate use and the selection of resistant bacteria. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in Abu Dhabi.


METHODS
A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test when applicable. One thousand subjects were invited to participate in the study.


RESULTS
Eight hundred sixty questionnaires were completed, with a respondent rate of 86%, consisting of 66% males and 34% females. Among the 860 participants, 485 (56%) reported the use of antibiotics within the last year. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most commonly used (46.3%). The survey showed a significant association between antibiotics used and age group (p < 0.001). Of the participants surveyed, 393 (46%) stated that they intentionally use antibiotics as self-medication without a medical consultation, a behavior that is significantly affected by educational levels (p<0.001). Two hundred forty-five (28%) participants stored antibiotics at home. These antibiotics were mostly acquired from community pharmacies without prescriptions (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study confirm that antibiotic self-medication is a relatively frequent problem in Abu Dhabi. Interventions are required in order to reduce the frequency of antibiotic misuse.
Abasaeed
Abobakr
A
Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. dr_abasaeed@yahoo.co.uk
Vlcek
Jiri
J
Abuelkhair
Mohammed
M
Kubena
Ales
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014479:United Arab Emirates
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D055553:Prescription Drugs