Knowledge and attitude of university students towards antibiotic self-medication : a cross sectional study at Mu’tah University

Abstract EN

Introduction: Among self-medication practice, antibiotic irrational administration represents a widespread problem that leads to microbial resistance and therapy failure.

Objective: Exploring the current status of antibiotic selfmedication among Mu’tah University students.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional questionnaire-based study carried out involving medical and non-medical students of Mutah University.

Results: Most of students reported self-medication of antibiotics for either bacterial infections or viral infections, realizing the real purpose of antibiotic administration .

Switching antibiotics was observed due to lack of effect or running out of supply or side effects.

Various causes for antibiotic therapy termination were reported.

Conclusion: This study showed that irrational antibiotic use is customary but inappropriate, and is consistent with other studies carried out in other Jordanian Universities.

The obtained results demand from health policy makers in Jordan to establish plans for preventing antibiotic misuse and to further strengthen legislations governing the sale of prescribed drugs without medical supervision