Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among nonmedical students at Kabul University, Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study

The practice of self-medication with antibiotics, particularly over-the-counter ones, has raised significant public health concerns in Afghanistan. This issue is largely influenced by factors such as a lack of basic health education, easy access to medications, poverty, illiteracy, and insufficient healthcare facilities. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among nonmedical students at Kabul University. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire and a multi-stage stratified sampling technique among nonmedical students at Kabul University from January to February 2025. Descriptive analysis calculated frequencies and percentages, while the χ2 test explored associations. Out of 369 students, 218 (59.1%) had practiced self-medication with antibiotics. The most commonly self-medicated antibiotics were Amoxicillin 277 (75.1%), Azithromycin 138 (37.4%), and Penicillin 108 (29.3%), which were most commonly used for sore throat 190 (51.5%), common cold 181 (49.1%), and runny nose 166 (45%). The common sources for self-medication were pharmacy 317 (85.9%) and home 76 (20.6%). The most common reasons for practicing antibiotic self-medication were previous experience with the same illness 144 (39%), and lack of funds for a doctor's visit 131 (35.5%). Most students agreed that the primary sources of information for using antibiotics were recommendations from friends and family 242 (65.6%) and the internet 115 (31.2%). This study reveals that self-medication with antibiotics is highly prevalent, with Amoxicillin frequently used for treating streptococcal throat infections and common cold. Easy availability through pharmacies and previous experiences are significant factors. Most advice on antibiotics comes from informal sources, such as friends and family, and the internet is also influential. Emphasis should now be placed on strengthening health education and improving access to healthcare services to mitigate the risks associated with the improper use of antibiotics.