AWARENESS OF PEOPLE ABOUT MISUSE AND SELF-MEDICATION WITH ANTIBIOTICS IN HAIL REGION, KSA

Background: The misuse of antibiotics is a major public health problem. This misuse results in another major problem which is bacterial resistance to many known antibiotics. This problem rather than being global, it is also a great concern in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate public awareness of the misuse of antibiotics in Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study using online survey in Hail region and was distributed to the residents of the city. We started collecting data on November 15th, 2018 for one week. Out of the city residents 204 people participated in the survey. The questionnaire was randomly distributed and involved socioeconomic characteristics and Questions aimed to measure knowledge about the antibiotic side effects, resistance and its effect on the immunity. Results: Most participants were female (70.1% females and 29.9% males). The level of education varied from university (75.9%), from secondary school (20.6%). The participants were asked if they ever administered antibiotics without prescription, 43.6% said sometimes, 22.06% (never), 19.6% (rarely) and 14.7% said always. Also, 49.5% of participants did not complete the course of antibiotics, while 24.5% always did not complete the course, but never for 8.8% and 17.2% said rarely. Concerning the knowledge of participants about the cause of antibiotic resistance and weak response of the antibiotics, the answers varied, 40.2% said due to uncomplete the antibiotic course, while 29.9% did not know, 23.5% said taking antibiotics without need. Conclusion: The majority of illness people in Hail are seeking self-medication with antibiotics could be probably of viral origin and unnecessary use of antibiotics promote the emergence of new-strains of resistantpathogens and the incidence of unwanted adverse effects. Recommendations: Health authorities advised to take serious steps to put an approved law for no antibiotics without prescription. In addition, health awareness campaigns advised to preventantibiotic misuse. Also, the pharmacists could play an important role in educating patients about antibiotic use in the society.