Antibiotic Self-Medication among Adult Out-patient Clinic Attendees in Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and pattern of antibiotic selfmedication and associated risk factors among out-patients clinic attendees in Edo state, Nigeria.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 consenting adult attendees at the general out -patient department of five secondary and one tertiary health facilities. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis, and significant variables analyzed with multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance p was set at < 0.05.

Three hundred and seventy four (46.8%) of 800 respondents had self-medicated with antibiotics 6 months preceding the study with commonly used drugs as Ampicillin/Cloxacillin (31.3%) and Amoxycillin (24.8%). Respiratory tract conditions were the most common reasons for taking antibiotics, 100 (27.2%). Primary reasons for self-medication was the availability of the drug at the local drug store. Being divorced or widowered (AOR 0.302, 95% CI 0.117-0.781, p = 0.01) and age > 70 years (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.84, p = 0.03) were significantly negatively associated with antibiotic self-medication.

The practice of self-medication with antibiotics was high among adult out-patients in the study area, and primarily due to the ease with which antibiotics can be brought across the counter. Restrictions on over-the-counter sale of antibiotics and sensitization of drug sellers is an urgently required intervention to stem the tide. Public enlightenment on dangers of self-medication especially targeting at risk groups identified by the study is also required.