Abstract
Self-medication with antibiotics is widespread in low- and middle-income nations and significantly contributes to the misuse of antibiotics and the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of antibiotic self-medication and to determine the variables associated with this behavior among the general population of Dera Ismail Khan Pakistan.
Community-based cross-sectional research was performed with 200 participants utilizing a validated structured questionnaire. Information on sociodemographic traits and KAP about antibiotic use was gathered. Descriptive statistics were employed to encapsulate participant characteristics. We used Chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and binary logistic regression to find out what factors made people self-medicate with antibiotics. The threshold for statistical significance was established at p < 0.05.
Out of the 200 participants, 54% were male, and 57% reported engaging in antibiotic self-medication. There were significant misunderstandings about when and how to administer antibiotics, even though 68% of people who took the survey were aware of the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Participants who engaged in self-medication had substantially worse knowledge and attitude ratings as comparison to those who refrained from such practices (p < 0.001). The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that a lower educational level (Adjusted OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.21–2.95), diminished knowledge scores (Adjusted OR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.46–3.12), and a lack of awareness regarding AMR (Adjusted OR = 3.76; 95% CI: 1.82–7.74) were independently correlated with an increased likelihood of antibiotic self-medication.
Self-medication with antibiotics was prevalent among the residents of Dera Ismail Khan. This is due to their insufficient knowledge on the subject, incorrect mentality, and lack of awareness regarding antimicrobial resistance. We require targeted public education initiatives, more rigorous enforcement of prescription regulations, and enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in community pharmacies to promote responsible antibiotic use and reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance.