Self-medication with antibiotics in Sana'a City, Yemen

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in Sana'a City, Yemen and its associated risk factors. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, a self-administered questionnaire was developed and distributed among consumers attending community pharmacies in Sana'a city, Yemen. Chi-square test was used to identify the risk factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics. Results: The prevalence of antibiotics use during self-medication was 87.1 % (58.2 % of males and 41.8 % of females). Among all respondents, only 49.5 % were aware of bacterial resistance due to antibiotic use. The majority of illness/symptoms treated with antibiotics during self-medication were common cold, cough, diarrhea and fever. The high cost of physician consultation was the main reason for self-medication with antibiotics. The most common source of information was community drug dispensers. Although different factors were assessed, no association could be found between factors like age, gender, material status, educational status, employment, monthly income or knowledge regarding bacterial resistance and self-medication with antibiotics. Conclusion: Self-medication with antibiotics is high among consumers in Sana'a City, Yemen.