Hani Nawafleh, Muwafaq Al-Momani, Lourance Al-Hadid and Wesam al-Amarat
Misuse of antibiotic is a common problem worldwide; of the common features of this problem were failure to complete the course of treatment, skipping doses, reusing leftover antibiotics, or self-treatment with antibiotics. This indeed can have a negative impact on individuals and community on both economic and health levels. It was established that misusing antibiotics might be a major determinant in the development of bacterial resistance, which became a major global public health problem. In Jordan, antibiotic misuse was highly extended with high prevalence of self-medication and inappropriate use of antibiotics. For understanding the growing resistance to antibiotics and the health problems associated with their inappropriate use.
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and the risk factors associated with antibiotic misuse among Al- Hussein Bin Talal University Community. Survey study recruited 500 university students and staff using stratified randomization technique in a 4-week period and used a questionnaire asking about demographic data and the use of antibiotics. Participants in this study reported obtaining information on antibiotic use from sources, like physicians (33.7%), enclosed leaflets (20%), and pharmacist (18%). Reasons for re-using antibiotics without a prescription in this study related to positive previous experience with the antibiotic and the difficulty reaching a physician, and half the participants used the antibiotic for three days or less depending mainly on the symptoms. The controlled use of antibiotics is cornerstone to reduce antibiotic resistance; therefore, it is crucial to limit the use of antibiotics to the prescribed ones by a physician who received proper training, and thus minimizing the improper administration of antibiotics. Increase community awareness on the proper use of antibiotics.
