Abstract
We analysed the situation concerned with actual self-medication with antibiotics within the Slovak republic. The results were compared with the prevalence of self -medication with antibiotics within 18 European countries. Our target was to determine and compare the prevalence of actual self-medication with antibiotics in the previous 12 months, intended self-medication and storage, and to identify the associated demographic characteristics. Self-medication with systemic antibiotics occurs in all countries participating in this survey, with highest prevalence rates in eastern and southern Europe and lowest in North and West. The main sources were "directly from the pharmacy" and "leftovers". Younger age, high education and presence of a chronic disease were significantly associated with self-medication. On the basis of this data, actions to reduce inappropriate use should target the general public.
Translated title of the contribution | Antibiotic policy - Issues of self-medication with antibiotics |
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Original language | Slovak |
Pages (from-to) | 59-63 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Farmaceuticky Obzor |
Volume | 77 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Keywords
- Antibiotics
- Antibiotics policy
- Resistance
- Self-medication of antibiotics