Taking antibacterial drugs without a doctor’s prescription in the Russian Federation

Abstract

Background. Antibiotic resistance is a global threat leading to ineffective treatment of many infectious diseases. One of the factors contributing to an increase in antibiotic resistance is over-the-counter sale of antibiotics.The aim of this study was to establish the sources of antibiotic prescription and to determine the prevalence of self-medication and factors that cause it.Materials and methods. The computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) methodology was used in the study. The questionnaire consisted of six blocks and 41 questions. For statistical analysis of the study results, Statistica for Windows version 10.0 and R-Studio software programs were used.Results. The study involved 2,725 people. Only 50.9% of the respondents purchased antibiotics with a prescription or got them during hospitalization. Parameters associated with over-the-counter purchase of antibiotics included female gender (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–1.7), lack of higher education (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–1.9), medical education (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.5), lack of awareness of a ban on over-the-counter sale of antibiotics (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–1.9), and relying on the knowledge (opinion) of family members or acquaintances as the main sources of information about the correct use of antibiotics (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.7–2.9).Conclusion. Antibiotic resistance can be reduced by propaganda and strict control over a ban on over-the-counter sale of antibiotics. It is also essential to update knowledge of medical professionals about antibacterial drugs and antibiotic resistance on a regular basis, also through raising their awareness of the development of antibiotic resistance in both patients and medical workers.