Assessment of self-medication in population buying antibiotics in pharmacies: a pilot study from Beirut and its suburbs.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to assess self-medication with antibiotics (ATB) in the general population and its associated factors.


METHODS
Face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted to collect data from ATB buyers in pharmacies in Beirut area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to predict self-medication.


RESULTS
42 % of 319 participants were buying ATB without prescription and the pharmacists were the main helpers (18.8 %). Saving time was the most common cited reason for self-medication with ATB (39.7 %). The logistic regression showed that self-medication with ATB was significantly increased among men [OR = 3.03; IC 95 % (2-5)]; it was associated with sore throat symptoms [OR = 2.38; IC 95 % (1.40-4.03)] and the ignorance of ATB use dangers [OR = 3.33; IC 95 % (1.96-5.55)]. In addition, it was prominent with amoxicillin [OR = 1.93; IC 95 % (0.17-1.34)], and inversely related to quinolone [OR = 0.44; IC 95 % (0.18-1.03)] and cephalosporin families [OR = 0.28; IC 95 % (0.11-1.68)] or other ATB classes [OR = 0.96; IC 95 % (0.41-2.22)].


CONCLUSIONS
Self-medication with antibiotics is a relatively frequent problem in Beirut area. Interventions are required to reduce antibiotic misuse.
Faculty of Public Health, Section II, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Lina
L
Cheaito
Sophie
S
Azizi
Nadine
N
Saleh
Pascale
P
Salameh
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013383:Suburban Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents