KNOWLEDGE PERCEPTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE AMONG CONSUMERS VISITING PHARMACIES
KNOWLEDGE PERCEPTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE AMONG CONSUMERS VISITING PHARMACIES IN ILORIN METROPOLIS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Appropriate use of antibiotics in the society requires correct knowledge, perception and attitude of the consumers. Antibiotics are substances that are used for inhibiting and treating infections caused by specific bacteria. They play an important role in treating bacterial infections, including life-threatening ones (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2021).
However, microorganisms are becoming less susceptible to antibiotics and by implication; infections are becoming difficult to treat because of antibiotics resistance (CDC, 2021). Antibiotic resistance is a natural process , but the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed to the constant surge in resistance, which is a global threat to human health (Mule, Sharma, Raghunath, Deshpande, 2018).
Antibiotic misuse is a significant global health concern that contributes to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In Nigeria, like many other developing countries, antibiotics are easily accessible without a prescription from pharmacies. This unrestricted access, coupled with inadequate knowledge and misconceptions about antibiotics among consumers, has led to widespread misuse (Ogunleye, Fadare, Yinka-Ogunleye, Anand and Godman, 2019).
Without reservation, antibiotics misuse is a global challenge, and the situation is likely to deteriorate in conflict zones with insufficient health services. The misuse of antibiotics is not only associated with antimicrobial resistance but may also lead to serious consequences.
KNOWLEDGE PERCEPTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE AMONG CONSUMERS VISITING PHARMACIES
The World Health Organization (WHO)’s guideline for the regulatory assessment of medicinal products for use in self-medication defines self-medication as the use of medicinal products by the consumer to treat self-recognized disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms. (WHO, 2011). It involves the use of medications without a valid prescription, use of left- over medication by oneself or by a family/friend, sharing medication with family and friends and using old prescription or someone else’s prescription to buy medications (Bjersa, Stener and Fagevik, (2012).
Importantly, knowledge plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate use of antibiotics. It encompasses understanding the indications for antibiotic use, proper dosage, duration of treatment, and potential side effects. However, studies have shown that consumers visiting pharmacies in Nigeria often lack adequate knowledge about antibiotics (Osemene, Lamikanra, 2012).
Many individuals believe that antibiotics can cure viral infections such as the common cold or flu, which is incorrect since antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. This misconception leads to unnecessary antibiotic use and contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance.
In other hand, perception also influences antibiotic misuse among consumers in Nigeria. Some individuals perceive antibiotics as a quick fix for any illness, regardless of its cause. They may pressure pharmacists to dispense antibiotics even when they are not necessary. Additionally, cultural beliefs and practices can shape perceptions about antibiotics. For example, some communities may rely on traditional medicine alongside antibiotics or may prefer self-medication rather than seeking professional medical advice.
According to NCDC (2020), several factors contribute to antibiotic misuse among consumers visiting pharmacies in Nigeria. One significant factor is the lack of regulation and enforcement regarding the sale of antibiotics without a prescription. This allows easy access to these medications and encourages self-medication without proper medical guidance.
Limited access to healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals also plays a role, as individuals may turn to pharmacies for quick and convenient solutions to their health problems.
Furthermore, inadequate public health education campaigns on appropriate antibiotic use contribute to the problem. Many consumers are unaware of the risks associated with antibiotic misuse and the importance of completing the full course of treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional (WHO, 2014).
Antibiotics are considered as life-saving drugs; although the 19th century was dubbed the “Golden Era” as a result of its discovery, the golden period did not last long due to the rise of various resistant infections (Akhund , 2019). ABR is a long-standing problem (Khan and Fang, 2021). ABR has drastically expanded in the twenty-first century and is primarily attributed to irrational prescription and incorrect usage. It has become a major public health hazard worldwide, especially in underdeveloped countries (Laxminarayan, 2013).
Antibiotics are among the list of most prescribed medications, thereby possessing a substantial risk of drug abuse. According to an estimate, approximately 20–50% of antibiotics prescribed to patients are inappropriate (Ahmed et al., 2020). The poor policies for infection control, under/excessive use of antibiotics, and availability of over-the-counter antibiotics are some of the major drivers of ABR (García et al., 2011).
Understanding consumers’ knowledge of antibiotics and their appropriate use is vital in identifying the public’s attitude that consequently aids in shaping the campaigns and policies on this public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed public education as one of the key interventions to rationalize the use of antibiotics (Chang et al., 2017). Enhancing the public understanding of antibiotics is the principal strategy of the WHO`s Antimicrobial Resistance Global Action Plan (the World Health Organization, 2015).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The misuse of antibiotics among consumers visiting pharmacies in Nigeria is a significant public health concern. Antibiotics are essential medications used to treat bacterial infections, but their misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, treatment failure, and adverse drug reactions. Knowledge and perception of consumers regarding antibiotics play a crucial role in determining their appropriate use.
However, it has also been observed that, one of the key issues contributing to antibiotic misuse is a lack of knowledge among consumers visiting pharmacies in Nigeria.
Many individuals may not fully understand the appropriate use of antibiotics, including the importance of completing the full course of treatment and the distinction between viral and bacterial infections. This lack of knowledge can result in consumers using antibiotics for conditions that do not require them, such as viral respiratory infections or mild illnesses that could resolve on their own.
It has also been observed that, the knowledge, perception, and various factors associated with antibiotic misuse among consumers visiting pharmacies in Nigeria are multifaceted and interconnected.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves educating consumers about appropriate antibiotic use, promoting responsible prescribing practices among healthcare providers, strengthening regulations on antibiotic sales, and improving access to affordable healthcare services in Ilorin metropolis. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the knowledge, perception and factors associated with antibiotic misuse among consumers visiting pharmacies in Ilorin metropolis.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, perception and factors associated with antibiotic misuse among consumers visiting pharmacies in Ilorin metropolis. Specifically, the objectives of this study was to:
- examine the knowledge of consumers about appropriate use of antibiotics
- examine the perception of consumers on antibiotics misuse in Illorin Metropolis.
- examine the side effects of antibiotics misuse by consumers in Illorin Metropolis.
- examine the factors associated with antibiotics misuse among consumers in Illorin Metropolis.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study:
- Does the consumers visiting pharmacies have adequate knowledge of appropriate use antibiotics?
- What are the consumer’s perceptions about antibiotics misuse in Illorin Metropolis?
- What are the side effects of antibiotics misuse by consumers in Illorin Metropolis?
- What are the factors associated with antibiotics misuse among consumers in Illorin Metropolis?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study will be of importance in the following ways:-
- This study will act as a reminder to pharmacists on the need to educate their customers with adequate prescriptions on the appropriate use of antibiotics because pharmacies are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare advice and medications.
- Helps policymakers and healthcare professionals develop targeted interventions to address the various factors associated with antibiotics misuse in the society effectively.
- Help researchers to design targeted educational interventions to improve awareness about appropriate antibiotic use.
- Help the government and ministry of health on the need to researchers design targeted educational interventions to improve awareness about appropriate antibiotic use.
- Helps researchers to develop strategies to promote responsible antibiotic use and discourage unnecessary consumption.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
Some of the challenges encountered while conducting the research include, inadequate related literature on the topic, lack of sufficient funds and short duration assigned for the study.
1.7 Delimitation of the Study
The study focuses on the knowledge, perception and factors associated with antibiotic misuse among consumers visiting pharmacies. It is delimited in scope to all the residents of Illorin metropolis.
1.8 Definitions of Terms
The following concepts are defined as they are applied in the study.
Antibiotics: An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections, and antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of such infections.
Knowledge: In this study, knowledge is defined as understanding the indications for antibiotic use, proper dosage, duration of treatment, and potential side effects.
Perception: In brief, perception refers to a belief or opinion, often held by many people and based on how things seem. In this study, perception refers to how some individuals perceive antibiotics as a cure-all medication and expect to receive them for any illness, regardless of the cause.
Factors: Factor refers to a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result.
Antibiotics Misuse: In this study, antibiotic misuse is defined as the inappropriate or incorrect use of antibiotics, which can lead to various negative consequences. It encompasses several practices such as overuse, underuse, and misuse of antibiotics.
Pharmacy: A pharmacy is a retail shop which provides pharmaceutical drugs, among other products.
CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that, knowledge, perception, and various factors play a significant role in antibiotic misuse among consumers visiting pharmacies in Nigeria.
The level of knowledge and understanding about antibiotics among consumers is crucial in determining their appropriate use. However, studies have shown that there is a lack of adequate knowledge regarding antibiotics and their proper usage among consumers in Nigeria. Therefore, this lack of knowledge contributes to the misuse of antibiotics, including self-medication, incorrect dosage, and incomplete treatment courses.
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