Unveiling trends; self-medication with antibiotics and its associated factors in the adult population of South Waziristan | [Journal of Medical Science • 2024]

Author(s):

1. Rubeena Gul: Department of Community Medicine, Khyber Medical College,Peshawar -,Pakistan

2. Muhammad Haroon: Department of Public Health, Institute of Management Sciences,Peshawar -,Pakistan

3. Muhammad Saleh Faisal: Department of Pharmacology, Khyber Medical College,Peshawar -,Pakistan

4. Salahuddin Zeb Khan: Department of Prosthodontics, Sardar Begum Dental College,Peshawar -,Pakistan

5. Aimeen Zeb Khan: Department of Prosthodontics, Rehman College of Dentistry,Peshawar -,Pakistan

6. Naveeda Sarwar: Department of Community Medicine, Pak International Medical College,Peshawar -,Pakistan

Abstract:

Objectives: To determine the frequency of self-medication with antibiotics and its causative factors in South Waziristan. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Tehsil Wana of South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of 400 participants were selected using a convenient random sampling technique. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. The questionnaire included demographics, socioeconomic variables, and information on self-medication with antibiotics i.e. reason for self-medication, source of procurement, symptoms that lead to self-medication, and type of antibiotic used. Results: Of 400 subjects, 373 (93.25%) agreed to participate. The frequency of antibiotic self-medication in the study area was 84.5%. The most common reason for self-medication with antibiotics was saving money (38%). The common antibiotic used by most study participants was Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (42%) with respiratory tract infections as the most common indication for their usage (62%). A significant association between self-medication of antibiotics was observed with age, mar ital, education, and economic status of the respondents (p<0.05). No significant association of self-medication was found with gender distribution (p-value 0.438). Conclusion: The study showed a significantly high prevalence of self-medication practices with antibiotics, revealing a strong association with socio-demographic factors. A multi-sectoral approach is needed to deal with this alarming situation in this war-affected underdeveloped district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Page(s): 267-271

DOI: 10.52764/jms.24.32.3.11

Published: Journal: Journal of Medical Science, Volume: 32, Issue: 3, Year: 2024

Keywords:

Antibiotics , Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Selfmedication , Adult population , Waziristan

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