Factors Contributing to Non-Prescribe Use of Antibiotics Among Adults:

Abstract

Background-Antibiotics are among the commonly used drugs. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to detrimental consequences like antimicrobial resistance. Non prescribed use of antibiotics is associated to different factors for example socio demographic factors, cultural factors. The main Objective-This study was carried out to discover factors contributing to non prescribed use of antibiotics in Makindye Division hence identifying ways on how to reduce the problem thus promoting rational use of antibiotics. Methods-A cross sectional study conducted. The study was conducted among 377 adults residing in Makindye Division using questionnaires and focus group discussions. The results-The study revealed that the prevalence of non prescribed use of antibiotics without prescription is still high (78.3%).Amoxicillin with the highest percentage of usage that is 25% and most antibiotics used to treat symptoms of cough that is 14.7%. Conclusions Poor national drug regulatory policies that enable respondents to access antibiotics without prescription hence contributing to the increase in the prevalence (78.3%) and a number of factors like beliefs and practices contribute to non prescribed use of antibiotics. Recommendations Use of different approaches to sensitize the general public about antibiotics usage, policies and regulations addressed to general public and the government providing more support towards health care thus enabling the public to access consultation before use of antibiotics.