Self-medication with antibiotics in the Gbêkê region, Côte d'Ivoire, 2020

Abstract

Objective: The predominance of bacterial infections in adults and children thus contributes to the sustained use of antibiotics, which are the most important drugs of choice in the therapeutic arsenal. This benefit of antibiotics appears to be threatened by self-medication. The aim of this study was to describe self-medication with antibiotics in the Gbêkê health region. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of customers of private and public pharmacies and illicit drug sales outlets in the Gbêkê health region. Our study was conducted from June 01, 2019 to May 30, 2020. Pharmacies were selected using stratified sampling. All customers who came for the purchase of antibiotics and agreed to participate in the study were included. Data were collected using an anonymous structured questionnaire. Results: Over-the-counter purchases were made by 250 participants, representing a 25% prevalence of antibiotic self-medication. The purchase of antibiotics without a prescription in an illegal drug sales area accounted for 26%. Antibiotics were self-medicated in 40% of cases for flu syndromes, 29% for sore throats, 24% for fevers resistant to antipyretics and 7% for skin lesions (wounds). There were statistically significant associations (p<0.05) between self-medication and knowledge of antibiotic action, compliance with antibiotic therapy and the risk of antibiotic reuse. Conclusion: The socio-economic factors listed in this study, combined with patients' lack of knowledge about antibiotics and the fact that these drugs are obtained in the community without a prescription, create an environment conducive to the emergence of bacterial resistance.