Public knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding antibiotics use in Punjab, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Objectives Public awareness about antibiotics use is critical in antimicrobial resistance. We evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the general population of Punjab, Pakistan in this cross-sectional study. Methods We used a 50-item questionnaire to collect information on participant demographics, knowledge, and attitudes about antibiotics use and to evaluate the practices of taking antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. Results Of the 2106 participants who completed surveys, 35.4% thought antibiotics could cure viral infections; 47.5% believed they are effective against cold and flu. Nearly 60% percent of respondents had self-medicated with antibiotics. Married people (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.285, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.004-1.643 p = 0.046), higher antibiotics use knowledge (AOR = 0.818, 95% CI: 0.674-0.993 p = 0.042), ever purchased antibiotics without a physician's prescription (AOR = 2.024 95% CI: 1.674-2.457 p <= 0.001) and storing antibiotics at home (AOR = 0.801 95% CI: 0.652-0.985 p = 0.035) were significantly associated with self-medication practices. Conclusions A high proportion of inappropriate antibiotics use exists among the general population of Punjab. Interventions are needed to improve health literacy and supervise antibiotics sales in retail pharmacies.

Automated summary

The study found a significant proportion of inappropriate antibiotics use among the general population of Punjab, Pakistan, including a lack of accurate knowledge about antibiotics and a high rate of self-medication without a doctor's prescription. Being married, having higher knowledge about antibiotics use, ever purchasing antibiotics without a doctor's prescription, and storing antibiotics at home were significantly associated with self-medication practices. Intervention measures are necessary to improve health literacy and monitor antibiotic sales in retail pharmacies.