Self-medication's knowledge and practice in adults attending pharmacies in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Self-medication is a widespread practice that may contribute to the antibiotic resistance of human pathogens. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication among Libyan patients in Tripoli city. This descriptive, questionnaire- based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2022 among Libyan patients in Tripoli city. The questionnaire was compromising from 13 questions. Three questions were dedicated to the general demographics and the next 10 questions were based on self-medication of drugs for the prevention and treatment of respiratory symptoms. All these questions if answered as a "No" was considered as self-medication. Among 214 participants, 176 (82%) were found to have practiced self-medication; 38.3% of them were aged less than 25 years, the majority being males (60.7%). Lack of time and feeling confidence with self-medication practice were the most common reasons cited behind practicing self-medication. Pain suppressing medications were the most selfmedicated drugs by 55.68%. Pharmacies (67.05%) were the commonest source regarding medicines for self-medication. The higher educated tended to self-medicate more than those with a low level of education. The majority of the respondents to the study reported self-medicating. Therefore, it's essential to enforce the law strictly and raise public awareness of the negative effects of self-medication.

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

“…Our results also reported that the most frequently self-medicated drugs by the students were Augmentin (61 with 41.5%), followed by amoxicillin (54 with 36.7%) and Azithromycin (44 with 29.9%), which is also consistent with other published studies [8,14,18]. This may be because it is the most used and prescribed antibiotics by doctors globally.…”

“…In many developed countries, the accessibility of antibiotics is strictly striped by insisting that no antibiotics are distributed without written prescription by physician or dispensed by pharmacists. However, in other countries, antibiotics are sold without prescription [8]. In Africa, the occurrence of antibiotic resistance differs among different countries and such incidence not only depends upon the absence of knowledge and alertness towards the development of resistant strain of bacteria but also depend upon unsuitable drug usage policy in the countries [9].…”

Evaluation of Self-medication with Over-The-Counter among Attahadi University Students

“…Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs commonly referred to as non-prescription drugs, are medicines that can be bought without a doctor's prescription. They are extensively offered at supermarkets, pharmacies, and quick-service restaurants [1]. These medications are used to treat some common health issues, including pain, headaches, colds, and allergies [1].…”

“…They are extensively offered at supermarkets, pharmacies, and quick-service restaurants [1]. These medications are used to treat some common health issues, including pain, headaches, colds, and allergies [1]. OTC medications can be beneficial for treating minor health issues or relieving symptoms, but they should always be taken carefully and according to the directions on the packaging.…”