Antibiotics Self-Medication Among Students at Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Tripoli

Abstract

Background and aim. Antibiotics self-medication is a global phenomenon that is prevalent in developing countries due to inadequate monitoring controls. The current study conducted to assess the practice of self-medication among paramedical students at Faculty of Medical Technology. Methods. A pre-validated questionnaire was dispersed through google forms, and students were asked to report antibiotic use with or without prescription in the year 2022. The questions enclosed demographic characteristics, course completion, frequency of antibiotic use, condition for which it was used, and type of antibiotic used were all covered. Results. A total of 168 forms were completed. Prevalence of antibiotic use with and without a prescription was relatively high (42.9%). Among the survey students who utilized an antibiotic without a prescription, 17.4% they stopped the use of antibiotic without finishing the treatment course. The most frequently obtained antibiotic without prescription was Augmentin®. Tonsillitis, flu, upper respiratory tract infection, and urinary tract infection were the conditions for which antibiotics were used. Conclusion. Irrational use of antibiotics is common among university students and need effective interventions directed to increase students understanding of the problems associated with such practice.