Inappropriate use of antibiotics, its reasons and contributing factors among communities of Yirgalem town, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the inappropriate use of antibiotics, its reasons and contributing factors among communities of Yirgalem town, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. Methods: The study was conducted in Yirgalem town from I March to 30 March 2019. A cross-sectional study with interviewer administered structured and pretested questionnaire was used. A multistage sampling procedure was employed involving a total of 568 participants who used antibiotics in the past I year prior to the study period. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1, and then exported to statistical package for social science version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done. p-value < 0.05 was used to consider significant variables. Results: The magnitude of inappropriate use of antibiotics was 37.9% (95% confidence interval (34.0, 41.5)). Main reason(s) for inappropriate use were long delays in health facility, cost-cutting and busy day's program. Being employed (adjusted odds ratio = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (1.98, 6.02)), age 25-34 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.89, 95% confidence interval (1.43, 5.84)), being male (adjusted odds ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (1.20, 3.02)), seeking modern healthcare in private clinic (adjusted odds ratio= 2.54, 95% confidence interval (1.20, 5.36)), delayed waiting time in healthcare facilities (adjusted odds ratio = 4.87, 95% confidence interval (2.17, 10.91)), experienced with similar symptom/disease (adjusted odds ratio = 3.02, 95% confidence interval (1.89, 4.83)) and family size above five (adjusted odds ratio = 8.92, 95% confidence interval (3.56, 22.38)) were predictors positively associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics. Conclusion: The magnitude of inappropriate antibiotics use was high. Attention should be given to community education through involvement of the private health sector and healthcare providers about rational use of antibiotics.

Automated summary

The study revealed a high rate of inappropriate use of antibiotics among communities in Yirgalem town, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia, with reasons such as long waiting times in healthcare facilities, cost-cutting, and busy schedules. Factors that positively predicted inappropriate use of antibiotics included being employed, age 25-34 years, being male, seeking modern healthcare in private clinics, long waiting times in healthcare facilities, experiencing similar symptoms/disease, and having a family size above five. Efforts should be made to educate the community on rational use of antibiotics through involvement of the private health sector and healthcare providers.