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. 2023 Oct 9:17:114-119.
doi: 10.33393/dti.2023.2614. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Prevalence of antibiotic misuse in cases of pneumonia and diarrhea in Saudi Arabia

Ebtehaj Saud Almughais  1 , Fatmah Fahad Alreshidi  1 , Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed  2
Affiliations

Prevalence of antibiotic misuse in cases of pneumonia and diarrhea in Saudi Arabia

Ebtehaj Saud Almughais et al. Drug Target Insights. .

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic misuse is a major public health issue with long-term repercussions.

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of pneumonia and diarrhea, with an emphasis on antibiotic misuse.

Methodology: This study included 410 participants (217 fathers and 193 mothers), of whom 239 purchased antibiotics for their children without a prescription, whereas 171 had a prescription or were unsure if one was required.

Results: Antibiotics were used incorrectly by 58.1% of respondents. About 51.2% of participants said they were taking two antibiotics at the same time. Around 30% of people admitted to using antibiotics inefficiently. The most prevalent reason for use was "viral and bacterial," followed by "viral," and then "bacterial," with 35%, 21%, and 20%, respectively. In addition, 22.4% of patients have used antibiotics for an unknown reason.

Conclusion: Saudi parents of children with pneumonia and diarrhea abuse antibiotics. Saudi legislation banning medications without a prescription has helped reduce antibiotic abuse, but more community-based education and awareness are needed.

Keywords: Antibiotic abuse; Antibiotic misuse; Diarrhea; Pneumonia; Saudi Arabia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1 -
Fig. 1 -
Description of the participants by antibiotic use status.
Fig. 2 -
Fig. 2 -
Indications of antibiotic use by study participants.
Fig. 3 -
Fig. 3 -
Description of status of antibiotic use for each of the categories of social and demographic factors.
Fig. 4 -
Fig. 4 -
Description of antibiotic use status within education, occupation, and income categories.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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