The Relationship between Fear of COVID-19 and Self-Medication and the Rate of Antibiotic Use in Patients Referred to COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. The coronavirus pandemic can cause anxiety and stress among people, which can make them practice self-medication. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fear of corona and self-medication and antibiotics use. Methods. In a convenience sampling method, 250 people referring to COVID-19 centers including 16-hour comprehensive health services in Kermanshah, Iran, who tested positive and were not hospitalized were extracted from the SIB system. Data collection tools include three questionnaires including corona fear questionnaire, self-medication questionnaire, and self-medication by antibiotic questionnaire and an information form including demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25. Results. The prevalence of self-medication was 59.6%. There was a significant correlation between self-medication and gender ( P value <0.05) and education level ( P value <0.05); the most common reason for self-medication was easy access to medicines through pharmacy drug stores. The mean score of fear of corona was higher in women and those who were not in a good financial position due to a lack of suitable economic status to see a doctor. Conclusion. There was a direct and significant relationship between self-medication and self-medication by antibiotics. 59.6% of the participants used medicines themselves, buying over-the-counter in pharmacies. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean score of corona fear in terms of not having a suitable economic status to see a doctor. This indicates that the lack of proper economic status among people with the coronavirus positive test to see a doctor increases the fear of the disease.

Development and psychometric properties of a self-medication behavior inventory

“…The Prevention factor (F4) is an anticipatory behavior in relation to undesirable symptoms or the threat of a condition. This supports other findings indicating a relationship between self-medication and fear of illness during the COVID-19 pandemic (Faraji et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, some individuals may view self-medication, including vitamins and supplements, as a proactive way to stay healthy, preventing potential health problems (Santos and Barros Filho, 2002 ; Lawand et al, 2023 ).…”

Self-medication with antibiotics and its associated factors among university students: a cross-sectional study

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this trend, influenced by several factors. Fear of catching the virus has made people reluctant to seek medical care at clinics or hospitals [7]. Furthermore, lockdowns and restrictions have hindered access to healthcare services, leading to an increase in self-medication [8].…”

Exploring the Influence of Family Attitudes and Individual Psychological Factors on Antibiotic Utilization: A Pilot Study

“…Additionally, as COVID-19 studies have recently reported, fear of illness and health anxiety can lead to incorrect medication behaviors, including self-medication and antibiotics overuse [ 11 , 12 ], probably due to an overestimation of an efficacy in unnecessary conditions [ 13 ]. Indeed, widespread lack of knowledge concerning antibiotics and their associated risks contributes to incorrect antibiotic intake [ 14 ], aligning with the low knowledge and awareness reported in the World Health Organization’s 2015 survey across 12 countries [ 15 ].…”