Self-medication with Antibiotics in WHO Southeast Asian Region: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Antibiotics are crucial for treating infectious diseases, a leading cause of death in the World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asian region.
• Antibiotic use without physician prescription is prevalent, increasing risks of adverse drug events and antimicrobial resistance.
• Multidrug-resistant bacterial strains pose a significant global health threat, exacerbated by irrational antibiotic use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and quantify the frequency and consequences of self-medication with antibiotics in the WHO Southeast Asian region.
• To highlight the need for evidence-based interventions to curb irrational antibiotic use and mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of published studies focusing on antibiotic self-medication in the Southeast Asian region.
• Analysis of data to determine the prevalence and associated risks of self-medication practices.

Main Results:

• Self-medication with antibiotics is a widespread issue in the WHO Southeast Asian region.
• The practice contributes to inappropriate drug use, potential drug interactions, and the development of microbial resistance.
• There is a significant knowledge gap regarding the full extent and impact of antibiotic self-medication in this region.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for well-designed studies to understand community antibiotic use in Southeast Asia.
• Evidence is required to develop targeted strategies and interventions against irrational antibiotic use.
• Addressing self-medication is critical to combatting the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in the region.