Knowledge of and attitude towards self-medication with antibiotics among general public in Kathmandu valley, Nepal: A cross-sectional survey

Authors

  • Parishan Shrestha College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Peerasak Chantaraprateep College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Wandee Sirichokchatchawan College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Keywords:

Antibiotics, Self-medication, Antibiotic resistance, Nepal

Abstract

Purpose - The inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to development and spread of bacterial resistance globally resulting in thousands of deaths every year. This study was designed to study the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication with antibiotics among the general public in Kathmandu.

Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the month of May, 2018 among general public of Ward number 16, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal by random sampling. Chi-square test was performed to determine the association between general characteristics and level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Bivariate logistic regression was also used to determine associated factors.

Findings - Out of 437 participants, 31.1% had poor knowledge on antibiotics, and 16.2% had poor attitude. Gender, education, employment status, occupation, and income were associated with level of knowledge. Education, employment status, and occupation were associated with level of attitude at 95% confidence interval. Being male, education of high school or lower, being self-employed and low income were statistically significant with poor knowledge (p-value < 0.05). Educational accomplishment of high school or lower, with employment, and being self-employed were found to be independently associated with poor attitude (p-value < 0.05).

Originality/value - The study provides a baseline information on the knowledge of and attitude towards antibiotics and serves as a basis for designing intervention program as well as conducting future research.

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Published

2018-12-21

How to Cite

Shrestha, P., Chantaraprateep, P., & Sirichokchatchawan, W. (2018). Knowledge of and attitude towards self-medication with antibiotics among general public in Kathmandu valley, Nepal: A cross-sectional survey. Journal of Health Research, 32(Suppl.1), S85-S95. Retrieved from https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jhealthres/article/view/164667

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Section

ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE