Self-medication with antibiotics: A pervasive risk factor for antibiotic resistance and public health concerns

Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where prevalence rates can be alarmingly high. This study systematically reviews the prevalence and factors influencing SMA, revealing a pooled prevalence of 27.7% globally, with rates ranging from 7.3% in Indonesia to 82.2% in Nigeria. Key determinants of SMA include perceived barriers to healthcare, self-medication risks, and self-efficacy, with higher perceived barriers correlating with increased SMA. The primary sources of antibiotics for self-medication include pharmacies, family and friends, and leftover prescriptions. The findings indicate that common antibiotics used for self-medication include penicillins, with respiratory infections being a frequent reason for use. Despite a significant awareness of antibiotic resistance, many individuals continue to self-medicate, often driven by factors such as dissatisfaction with healthcare services and cultural beliefs. This behavior poses serious risks to individual health and contributes to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The study underscores the urgent need for public health interventions aimed at educating communities about the dangers of self-medication and implementing stricter regulations on antibiotic dispensing to mitigate misuse and safeguard public health.