Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to self-medication with antimicrobials in Lilongwe, Malawi

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.

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Antibiotic use and knowledge in the community of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.3866 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (04) ◽

pp. 424-429 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Tatyana Belkina ◽

Abdullah Al Warafi ◽

Elhassan Hussein Eltom ◽

Nigora Tadjieva ◽

Ales Kubena ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Adult Population ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Medication ◽

Multivariate Statistical ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Inappropriate Use

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.

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A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Medical and Pharmacy Students Regarding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Toward Self-Medication in Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-745381/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Razan Khalid Alduraibi ◽

Waleed mohammad altowayan

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Pharmacy Practice ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Public Health Care ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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

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Evaluation of parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication for their children’s dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01466-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Emine Sen Tunc ◽

Emre Aksoy ◽

Hatice Nilden Arslan ◽

Zeynep Kaya

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Providers ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Pediatric Dentistry ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Self Medication ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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.

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Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards self-medication for their children: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

Asia Pacific Family Medicine ◽

10.22146/apfm.v18i1.37 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sa'ed Zyoud ◽

Rawan M. Shtaya ◽

Dana Q. Hamadneh ◽

Shyma N. Sawalmeh ◽

Hiba A. Khadrah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parental Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Tendency ◽

Face To Face ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Inadequate Knowledge ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background Self-therapy with various medications is a commonly practised form of children self-care among parents throughout the world, with the prevalence and pattern differing from country to country. Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding self-medication of their children need to be taken into consideration because children are more sensitive to adverse consequences of medication. This study was designed to assess Palestinian parents’ KAP towards self-medication for their children. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Palestine from October 2016 to February 2017, using a face-to-face interview questionnaire format, which was adapted from previous studies in this field. Data was collected by convenient sampling. The parents answered a questionnaire covering socio-demographic and economic variables; medication information; knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication; and the toxicity of medications used for self-therapy. Results Among the 500 respondents interviewed, the total parents of 357 (73.4%) accepted using medications as self-therapy for their children. The most common reason for using self-medication was previous experience (54.6%). The medications most often used in such self-therapy are antipyretics (95%), followed by skin creams (46%) and anti-cough and anti-influenza medication (44.2%). Parental knowledge about toxicity was found to be inadequate knowledge. For example, around 70% of parents believe that paracetamol and multivitamin are not fatal in cases of overdose. Conclusions Self-medication of children is common among parents in Palestine. There has been a high tendency for parents to self-medicate their children, in particular with antipyretics. Moreover, antibiotics have been used without prescriptions by a large proportion of parents. As such, specific guidelines for appropriate self-therapy should be established. We must encourage pharmacists to educate parents on how to self-medicate medicine in proper doses and at the correct time, as well when the dose reaches a toxic level.

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

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.706290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Alex K. Owusu-Ofori ◽

Eric Darko ◽

Cynthia A. Danquah ◽

Thomas Agyarko-Poku ◽

Kwame Ohene Buabeng

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

First Year ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Tertiary Institution ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

First Year Students ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Inappropriate Use ◽

Kwame Nkrumah

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.

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A Cross-Sectional Survey; Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Self-Medication in Medical and Pharmacy Students

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1053208/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Razan Alduraibi ◽

Waleed Altowayan

Keyword(s):

Pharmacy Practice ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Public Health Care ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Future Health ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background: Self-Medication is common practice worldwide in both developed and developing countries. Self-Medication is referred as self consumption of medication without consulting a physician for either diagnosis or treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices toward self-medication 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 316 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%). Conclusions: In conclusion, students' knowledge of self-medication appears to be good and significantly high among pharmacy students in comparison to medical students. As well self-medication was highly practiced among the 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 registrationNot applicable

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Knowledge, attitudes and practices among the population, towards COVID-19 in the Lubumbashi city (DR Congo): An online cross-sectional survey

World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences ◽

10.30574/wjbphs.2021.5.3.0016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 01-018

Author(s):

Manya Mboni Henry ◽

Mutombo Shakalenga Cedrick ◽

Bashige Chiribagula Valentin ◽

Nzuzi Mavungu Gaël ◽

Kabamba Tshikongo Arsène ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Adequate Management ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

A survey was conducted online from December 30, 2020 to January 21, 2021, among the population of Lubumbashi city, to assess Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. The resource persons were self-selected at random, to have freely accepted to answer the online questionnaire. A total of 487 people (50.7% of women), with an average age of 28.3 ± 7.7 years, were interviewed. Overall, 98.2% said they were aware of COVID-19. This knowledge comes from several sources dominated by television (42.7%). Several respondents (71.9%) admitted to being afraid of human-to-human transmission of COVID-19; while 72.1% hope that this disease will stop one day. Protective practices against COVID-19 contamination are dominated by wearing a surgical mask, social distancing and hand washing (66.9%). Self-medication either with medicinal plants or with conventional drugs are the most recommended practices by the questioned people, in case of symptoms related to COVID-19 (70.6%). Most medicinal plants [predominated by Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (45.9%, n = 344)] and conventional drugs [predominantly aspirin (41.5%; n = 41)], cited in this case, are reported in various studies as being used in the management of patients with COVID-19. In general, the KAPs observed vary considerably according to the gender and study level of the questioned people. The level of knowledge about COVID-19 among the population of Lubumbashi seems satisfactory and its management acceptable. Practices to control the COVID-19 symptom are predominated by the use of both conventional and non-conventional medicine. However, sensitization of the population of Lubumbashi for a better knowledge and adequate management of this virus is desirable.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) about COVID-19 among Indian Population: A Cross-sectional Study

SSRN Electronic Journal ◽

10.2139/ssrn.3658195 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Prachi Agarwal ◽

Bushra Imtiyaz ◽

Raunaq M. S. ◽

Chahat Jamwal

Keyword(s):

Indian Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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Onchocerciasis in Osse, Ondo State, Nigeria: Effectiveness of Motivational Strategies in Sustaining Compliance with Community Ivermectin Therapy

International Quarterly of Community Health Education ◽

10.2190/v3q0-jj9b-c9ac-xuej ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 177-189

Author(s):

O. U. Manafa ◽

T. S. Awolola ◽

A. N. Isamah

Keyword(s):

Community Intervention ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Participant Satisfaction ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Ondo State ◽

Set Up ◽

High Level ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

A study in human Onchocerciasis was undertaken in four endemic communities in Ondo State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted on peoples' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Onchocerciasis aetiology, treatment, prevention, and symptoms. These were complemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Based on this information, an educational program was set up which included the training of selected villagers (motivators) and community intervention organized by these motivators. Evaluation used a control group where intervention was focused on other health problems in the area. Onchocerciasis education took place only with the intervention group. At the start of the project, peoples' knowledge about Onchocerciasis, its cause, treatment, prevention, and symptoms were varied and only a small proportion could link the bite of the blackfly to Onchocerciasis. The educational intervention achieved a high level of participant satisfaction which was expressed in continuous attendance at workshops and keeping appointments with motivators. The intervention helped to bring a significant improvement in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the respondents. The knowledge of Onchocerciasis aetiology increased to 79.8 percent, 71.5 percent, and 74 percent from 48.5 percent, 48.7 percent, 34 percent, and 45 percent pre-intervention in the four study areas used. The project demonstrated that a community-based health education can be effective in Onchocerciasis control.

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