Self-Medication with Antibiotics and Its Predictors among the Population in Khartoum Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan in 2018

Background: Self-medication is a personal self-initiated behaviour of diagnosis of a disease and self-treatment of its symptoms and signs.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and the diseases commonly treated with antibiotics, the most commonly used antibiotics, the sources of obtaining it and the predictors of self-medication with antibiotics.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Khartoum Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan during April 2018.

Methods: 246 adults (130 males, 116 females) over 18 years were included in the study. A closed-ended, pretested and pre-validated questionnaire was used to interview the participants.

Data was analysed using SPSS Version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were presented in tables and figures. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the predictors of self-medication with antibiotics. Ethical approval and voluntarily signed consent were obtained prior to embarking on the study.

Results: 148(60.2%) participants practiced self-medication with antibiotics, 111(75%) of whom obtained the antibiotics over the counter in community pharmacies. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (38.5%). The major reason behind taking antibiotics without prescription was long distances to healthcare facilities (43.2%). The commonest symptom which encouraged self-medication with antibiotics was abdominal pain (27%). Females were 3.55 times more likely to use self-medication with antibiotics than males. Participants who lacked health insurance cards were 2.65 times more likely to practice self-medication with antibiotics.

Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics is alarmingly high in Khartoum Locality. Over the counter purchase of antibiotics was the main route of self-medication. Gender and lack of health insurance were significant predictors of self-medication. Mass education through different media and policy reform are recommended.