Prevalence of Self-medication use of antibiotics among population in Ernakulum district in Kerala, India

Self‑medication use of antibiotics has become a prevalent reason for the development of antibiotics resistance one of the growing global health risks. It is the process by which people choose and take medications to cure ailments or symptoms that they have recognised for themselves. The potency of antibiotics may decrease as antibiotics are used as primary care for the treatment of infectious ailments which may be due to increase in level of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) throughout the globe. Antibiotics resistance has become a major worry, particularly in low income nations. The prevalence and pattern of self-medication use is not well documented, hence a questionnaire survey was conducted in a random sample of the population of Ernakulum district. This study aims to evaluate the use of self-medication with antibiotics and related factors in the Ernakulum district, Kerala. The survey tool included questions regarding age, gender, education, Occupation, name of antibiotics, number of times antibiotics administered in the past 6 months, reason for stopping antibiotics, source of antibiotics, reason for antibiotics self-medications, disposal method of leftover antibiotics etc. Sore throat (34%), cough (26%) are one of the main symptoms for the self-usage of antibiotics. Various antibiotics, including amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin were commonly used for self-medication. Reasons for antibiotic self-medication was cost saving (3.8%), previous successful experiences (7.7%), and convenience (11.5%).Information regarding self-medication were primarily obtained from past prescriptions from doctors (64.32%) and from pharmacies (23%).15% people disposed antibiotics to household bins. 26.5% of the participants were not aware about the functions of antibiotics. socioeconomic factors such as age and gender is not correlated with the self-usage of antibiotics. Self-medication use of antibiotics is dangerous, its illogical and improper use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotics resistance due to overuse of drugs, hence should be taken under proper supervision by expert. Health care providers must be more responsible and should provide a free training and guide to general public highlighting the adverse effects of self-medicated drugs.