Perception and practice of self medication with Antibiotics among the nursing staff in a tertiary care centre in India.

Rajalakshmi Alappatu Narayanan Nair; Aparna Anand; Thressiamma Thomas K; Princy Louis Palatty

Volume : X, Issue : IV, April - 2020

Perception and practice of self medication with Antibiotics among the nursing staff in a tertiary care centre in India.

Rajalakshmi Alappatu Narayanan Nair, Aparna Anand, Thressiamma Thomas K, Princy Louis Palatty

Abstract :

Background:– Antibiotic resistance is a major global concern. Self medication with antibiotics is an important reason for antibiotic resistance It is increasing among the general public & healthcare professionals. Appropriate knowledge of antibiotics should be imparted to the general public & especially healthcare professionals (2) Objective:– The study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of self medication with antibiotics among the nursing staff in a tertiary care hospital( Amrita Institute of medical science,Kochi)) and evaluate the factors associated with self medication practice Materials & Methods:– The study done was a descriptive cross–sectional study.100 samples were selected randomly from the staff nurses of Amrita Institute of Medical Science .Study was done with the help of a pre designed questionnaire Results:– 100 staff nurses participated in the study Prevalence of self medication with antibiotics was61% among the staff nurses during the preceding 6 months Macrolide was the commonly self medicated antibiotic The important cause of self medication was saving cost of expenditure (57.4) Cough& sore throat were the common disease for which self medication was taken. Only 36.1% respondents completed the entire antibiotic course Conclusion:– The study showed self medication with antibiotics is high among the nursing staff. There is a need for rigorous mass enlightenment campaign to educate the population including healthcare professionals about the disadvantages & possible complications of antibiotic self medication.(3) This also highlights the need for focussed educational interventions & strict government regulations concerning antibiotic use & sale in retail pharmacie