Antibiotics administration without prescription in Bangladesh
Humayun Kabir, Md. Kamrul Hasan, Nahida Akter, Hamim Tassdik, Dr Md Fakrul Islam, Hasina Jannat, Ariful Haque Tutul, Ojifa Akter, Rawshan Ara, Muhammad Didarul Islam, Sohel Mahmud, Masuda Akter, Dipak Kumar Mitra
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge. Therefore, adhering to proper antibiotics administration protocol is essential to mitigate the consequences. This study investigated the prevalence and the factors associated with antibiotic administration without the prescription of registered doctors in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional survey was carried out among 1102 adults. The outcome variable was the antibiotic administration without the prescription. The exploratory variables included the variables related to sociodemographic, attitudes, and knowledge (antibiotic treatable diseases, types of diseases specification, and antimicrobial drugs specification). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, and the p-value of 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence. The prevalence of antibiotic administration without prescription was found 37.02%. Age was significantly associated with the administration of the antibiotic without prescription. Those who administered antibiotics in the last two months had a significantly higher prevalence of antibiotic administration without prescription. The participant's attitudes toward the antibiotic and knowledge of antibiotic treatable diseases, types of diseases, and antimicrobial drugs were significantly associated with antibiotic administration without prescription. The findings may assist in facilitating relevant initiatives to improve the magnitude of antibiotic utilization without prescription and mitigate the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Bangladesh.