A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY ON ANTIBIOTIC SELF-MEDICATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

· Introduction: The study involves the cross- section study towards antibiotic self – medication among local area in Nerchowk district- Mandi Himachal Pradesh. study was conduct on a sample of 300 peoples randomly chosen from local area. We ask many peoples about their medication like antibiotics. Antibiotics are one of the most important discoveries in modern medicine and play a vital role in treatment of bacterial infection. Self-medication with antibiotics is widely practiced in developing countries due to easy availability of drugs, lack of strict regulatory control, previous experience with similar illness, cost of medical consultation, and influence of pharmacist, family members, or advertisement. Although antibiotics are effective against bacterial infection, their improper use – such as incorrect dosage, incomplete course, or use for viral infections like common cold flu – can lead to serious consequences. · Material and method: To understand this important topic better, a study was done as part of a survey called "Self-Medication with Antibiotics and Resistance Levels" in nearby areas of Nerchowk district, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Small villages with about 300 to 400 people were chosen randomly. Then, people from these villages were randomly picked to answer questions about using antibiotics without a doctor’s advice. The study looked at their age and gender too. · Conclusion: We collected 300 responses in our survey. About 66% of people said they take antibiotics on their own, while 34% said they don’t. Using antibiotics without a doctor’s advice is a serious health problem. It can cause antibiotics to stop working, treatments to fail, side effects, and higher medical costs. This happens because many people don’t know enough, antibiotics are easy to get, and they are often used in the wrong way. That’s why it’s very important to teach people and have strict rules about using antibiotics.