Abstract:

Background: Self-medication with antibacterial drugs is an important factor among others that contributes to development of bacterial resistance to antibacterial agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of antibiotic evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic self-medication, patterns of antibiotic use and factors that influence antibiotic self-medication practice among outpatients attending Bugando medical centre in Mwanza city, northern Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with sample size of 220 sampled from patients attending Bugando medical centre by using convenient non-probability sampling method. Data was collected by using standardized semi-structured questionnaires with both open and close ended questions. Data entry and analysis was done by using a computerized program STATA 13.

Results: The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was found to be 38.2%. There was significant statistical association between self-medication with antibiotics and occupations of the respondents (p=0.007). Main self-treated indications were cough, cold, sore throat and respiratory infections (33.3%), fever (24.8%), stomach symptoms and abdominal pain (22.2%). Community pharmacies were the main source of antibiotics supplying 93.9%, a few were obtained from leftover drugs. Reasons that influenced self-medication with antibiotics were previously successful treatment (26.1%), proximity of the pharmacy (17.6%), expensive health charges (17.6%), mild illness (16.9%), long delays in health care facilities (12.7%), long distance to the health center, lack enough medical personnel and crowd avoidance were also mentioned (9.1%). Drugs that were commonly used included amoxicillin (30.1%), metronidazole (19.6%), ampicillin (11.9%), other drugs were co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, macrolides and tetracycline’s. 42.9% did not complete the standard dose of antibiotics obtained. 40.5% were at risk of antimicrobial self-medication since they admitted that they would take, or consider taking, antimicrobial drugs without being prescribed when needed.

Conclusion and recommendation: Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in the study area is quite high. Community pharmacies are the major source of antibiotics. Economic status and education of the population are important factors determining self-medication with antibiotics. Public education and campaigns are needed to enlighten community of disadvantages and possible complications of SMA. An integrated approach involving prescribers, dispensers, policy and general public by using educational and regulatory measures is also required.