scholarly journals Self-Medication and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Survey of Students Studying Healthcare Programmes at a Tertiary Institution in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex K. Owusu-Ofori ◽  
Eric Darko ◽  
Cynthia A. Danquah ◽  
Thomas Agyarko-Poku ◽  
Kwame Ohene Buabeng

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest challenges facing mankind. Inappropriate uses of antibiotics including self-medication promote the increase and spread of AMR. Self-medication has not been well-studied among students. This study was undertaken to determine students of healthcare programmes self-medication practices and attitudes in relation to AMR.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey that used a pretested self-administered questionnaire to elicit responses from first-year students of healthcare programmes at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana from January 2018 to August 2019.Results: Two hundred and eighty students were recruited with 264 of them returning the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 94.3%. Majority were female (68.9%) and participants ages ranged from 16 to 34 years with a mean age (SD) of 19.5 (1.88) years. 136 students (56.2%) had previously purchased antibiotics without a prescription and 78.3% expressed satisfaction with the outcome of self-medication. Amoxicillin (78%) was the most frequent antibiotic bought without a prescription. Majority (76.3%) agreed that self-medication can lead to AMR. Majority (77.0%) believed that antibiotic abuse is a problem in Ghana and 94.8% agreed that the introduction of a course in the University on the rational use of antibiotic will help improve student's knowledge and practices.Conclusion: Self-medication is common among participants despite their knowledge that inappropriate use of antibiotic may lead to resistance. Innovative ways including the introduction of new curricula may help to improve knowledge and to curb wrong attitudes and practices related to antibiotic misuse and ultimately to overcome the problem of AMR.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-80
Author(s):  
Md. Sahidur Rahman ◽  
Nazifa Rafa

Abstract The perceived risk of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens creates the necessity for understanding the role of the prescriber groups. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among veterinary practitioners to assess their understanding regarding antimicrobial prescribing and the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock. We collected responses from 100 veterinarians engaged in the large animal, poultry, and pet animal care practices. Proportions were calculated for categorical variables and the results were visualized. We revealed two key barriers: a lack of enough information and of training on the proper prescription of antimicrobials. Prescribing a wide variety of antimicrobials and doing incomplete courses of antimicrobial treatments were two very important causes pointed out by the respondents for the development of antimicrobial resistance. A number of highest-priority critically important antimicrobials (HP-CIAs) of human health were found to be used by veterinary practitioners. In addition to clinical features like types of organisms and severity of the disease, the availability of drugs in the local market and the economic conditions of farmers have the potential to influence the decisions of veterinarians in prescribing antimicrobials. The professional development of veterinarians and the maintenance of strong coordination are crucial to ensure the proper engagement of veterinarians as the front-line fighters for tackling the AMR issue.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (04) ◽  
pp. 424-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatyana Belkina ◽  
Abdullah Al Warafi ◽  
Elhassan Hussein Eltom ◽  
Nigora Tadjieva ◽  
Ales Kubena ◽  
...  

Introduction: Inappropriate use of antibiotics has resulted in a dramatic increase of antimicrobial resistance in developing countries. We examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antibiotic use in three Asian countries. Methodology: A nationwide cross-sectional study of teachers in large cities of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan was conducted. A random sample of 1,200 teachers was selected in each country. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey and then analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods. Results: The prevalence of non-prescription antibiotic use ranged from 48% in Saudi Arabia to 78% in Yemen and Uzbekistan. Pharmacies were the main source of non-prescribed antibiotics. The most common reasons for antibiotic use were cough (40%) and influenza (34%). Forty-nine percent of respondents discontinued antibiotics when they felt better. Although awareness of the dangers of antibiotic use correlated inversely with self-medication, understanding of the appropriate use of antibiotics was limited. Conclusions: The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication in the educated adult population in the studied countries was found to be alarmingly high. Effective strategies involving regulatory enforcement prohibiting sales of antibiotics without prescription should be implemented along with educational interventions for health professionals and the public.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia S Sambakusi

BackgroundThe use of antimicrobials is associated with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and self-medication increases the risk of the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding self-medication with antimicrobials among residents in Lilongwe, Malawi.MethodologyThis study has a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design. We conducted two focus group discussions (n=15) to describe community attitudes towards self-medication with antimicrobials and used a structured questionnaire to collect data on individual KAP regarding self-medication from 105 respondents.ResultsSelf-medication was common, and the sources of these medicines were market vendors, pharmacies, drugs shared with friends and family and those leftover from previous treatments. The lack of medical supplies, long distances to health facilities, poor attitudes of medical professionals towards patients, and past experience with the disease and treatment are the main factors that influence self-medication. KAP respondents had little knowledge of antimicrobials, their use, or any awareness of AMR. Seventy-four per cent (n=78) were unable to differentiate antimicrobials from other categories of medicines, and 92.4% wrongly responded that antimicrobials could be used to stop a fever. Concerning attitudes towards self-medication, over 54% wrongly believe that antimicrobials are effective in treating common colds. In regard to practice, 53% reported that they would use antimicrobials to treat upper respiratory infections, and 41% agreed that they must complete antibiotic therapy even if they are improving. Logistic regression analysis found that stocking antimicrobials at home for future use significantly promotes self-medication whereas an awareness of AMR would reduce self-medication.ConclusionSelf-medication is a public health risk that needs to be addressed urgently. Findings from this study point to the need for multifaceted interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-71
Author(s):  
Lok Raj Sharma

This research article attempts to evaluate B.Ed. first year students’ major motives for learning English A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to accomplish the research study. The twelve questions as a data collection tool were administered to the students across three campuses of Makawanpur District, Nepal in the Academic Year 2019-2020. The study showed that a large number of the students learnt English to have good job opportunities in the country, whereas the smallest number of students  learnt it to be tourist guides. The chi-square tests showed that there was statistically significant association between sex and the motives for learning it, whereas there was no statistically significant association between campuses and motives for learning it. The findings of the research study indicated that students learnt English for fulfilling differing purposes in their life. Their attitude towards learning English was found to be dissimilar.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar Gupta ◽  
Chirag Vohra ◽  
Pankaja Raghav

AbstractBackgroundTo reduce the magnitude of antimicrobial resistance, there is a need to change the knowledge and behavior of future prescribers regarding use and prescription of antibiotics. This can be ensured through the appropriate training of next generation doctors and medical students. But, before planning or strengthening any teaching or training program for any group, it is required to have a conclusive evidence about knowledge, attitude and practices of that group. With this background this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes and the practices of medical students in India with respect to antibiotic resistance and usageMethodsIt was a cross-sectional study which was done online through google forms. A semi-structured questionnaire containing a five point Likert scale was used for the data collection. The questionnaire was sent to medical students across India by sharing link through contacts of Medical Students Association of India. Respondent-driven sampling technique was also adopted for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.25 and Microsoft Excel 2016.ResultsThe overall mean score of awareness for the students was 4.36 + 0.39. As compared to first year students, mean score of awareness was significantly higher among students of all the years. A significantly better awareness was also observed among pre final year students as compared to other years. Variable practices have been observed regarding use of antibiotics among medical students.ConclusionThe awareness level of medical students regarding antibiotics and its resistance was quite satisfactory. As far as attitude and practices are concerned, there is a significant need for improvements.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razan Khalid Alduraibi ◽  
Waleed mohammad altowayan

Abstract Background: Self-Medication (SM) is common practice worldwide in both developed and developing countries. SM is referred as self consuming of medication without consulting a physician for either diagnosis or treatment. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices toward SM among medical and pharmacy students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and pharmacy students in Qassim university, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, during the period 2020-2021.Multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit students. The data were collected through questionnaire.Results: Three hundred and sixteen of 342 students were recruited. This study showed that the majority (94.6%) of students had good knowledge of self-medication. Additionally, the following characteristics were significantly associated with good knowledge: being female, and Pharmacy students. Overall mean score for the attitudes towards self-medication shows that 58.4% of the total sample had high agreements towards the questions of the attitudes toward self-medication. More than half (63.9%) of the students reported that they practice self- medication in the last 6 months. Pain killers was the most common medication used for self- medication by the majority of the students (88.29%). The majority (77.8%) of respondents reported that they feel confident about the use of self-medication. Conclusions: In conclusion, students' knowledge of self-medication appears to be good and significantly high among pharmacy students in comparison to medical students. Therefor, medical and pharmacy students should be viewed as important contributors to the public health care system, and future health professionals should be properly educated on good pharmacy practice and responsible self-medication.Trial registration: Not applicable


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emine Sen Tunc ◽  
Emre Aksoy ◽  
Hatice Nilden Arslan ◽  
Zeynep Kaya

Abstract Background Self-medication refers to taking medicine without consultation with a doctor or dentist, and it is an important health issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no data about parents’ SM practices for their children’s dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to evaluate parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication for their children’s dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Turkey. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in the pediatric dental clinic at Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown ended. A total of 389 parents who agreed to participate in the study completed the questionnaire from July 1 to October 1. A questionnaire with 18 items was designed to collect information on the parents’ knowledge and attitudes regarding when, why, and how to use drugs and on their practices on medicating their children. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square test). Results The majority of parents (n = 273; 70.2%) practiced self-medication for their children's dental problems. Self-medication with a previously prescribed medications was usually preferred by parents (n = 179; 62.2%). Analgesics (98%) were the most commonly used medicines by parents in their self-medication for their children's dental problems. Conclusion Prevalence of self-medication practices for children's dental problems is high in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, new healthcare services, such as teledentistry, may be useful to overcome problems related to the self-medication of children during times when the ability to reach healthcare providers is limited, such as during pandemics.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
yetayale berhanu wolde ◽  
Alem Eskeziya Ayenalem

Abstract Background Anxiety can disturb a student's academic success and his future, including withdrawal from classes. The dropout rate was found to be twice as high as in the 1st grade compared to the 2nd or 3rd grade. It also causes people around the world to feel excessive anxiety, fear, lack of self-confidence, and embarrassment. One of the key reasons in the current study is the lack of data on the degree of mental illness, especially in higher education institutions. Objective: To assess the anxiety and factors of Mizan Tepi University students. METHODS From April 21th to May 21, 2020, an organization-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the city of Mizan Tepi. The survey used a structured questionnaire and a self-administered questionnaire-ASQ tool. The stratified sampling method included 301 individuals in the study.Pre-test questionnaires that are also used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Result There are 320 freshmen students of these, 301 attended during the investigation. There are 162 (54%) male respondents and 138 (46%) female respondents in the study. The average student age and (SE) age are 21.6, (± 0.13) years old. The prevalence of anxiety was found to be 26.7% among first-year students. Compared with males (16.7%), female freshmen (40.6%) have a statistically higher incidence of anxiety. [AOR 95%CI=3.36 (1.88, 6.01) Conclusion his study shows that anxiety is a common mental problem among college students calling for public intervention to prevent more serious forms of anxiety. This finding indicates that women and older students have a high chance of suffering from anxiety.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 384
Author(s):  
Desalegne Amare Zelellw ◽  
Habtamu Mellie Bizuayehu

Irrational use of medicines is a key reason for the increase and spread of antimicrobial resistance and it is a global concern. It is a fast mounting universal crisis. The main of this study of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of university students on antimicrobial resistance at Debre Markos University. Institutional based comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to July with total sample size of 670. Participants were selected using simple random sampling method using random number table. Data clerk double entered the data into Epi data version 3.1 and transferred to SPSS Windows software version 21.0. Those variables that had associations at binary stage with p-value &lt; 0.1, not collinear and biologically important variables were entered in to multiple logistic regression models. The cut off point for association was p-value &lt; 0.05.<strong> </strong>About 14.8% study participants had adequate knowledge towards drug resistance.  Rural residences of the participants were significantly associated with drug resistance as compared to urban residence. Knowledgeable participants were significantly protective to self- medication and drug resistance as compare to those who had inadequate knowledge and participants who had positive attitude were positively associated with self-medication as compare to those who had negative attitude. The overall knowledge of participants regarding to antimicrobial resistance was low. In the other hand, majority of participants had positive attitude. Those participants who had positive attitude were significantly associated with antimicrobial resistance as compared to who had negative attitude.


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