Self-medication and self-treatment with short-term antibiotics in Asian countries: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: The general public plays a role in the increase and spread of antimicrobial resistance by seeking self-medication with antibiotics. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with short-term antibiotics in Asian countries. Method: A literature search was performed on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases in 2013-2020. Results: A total of 36 articles were included for full review and data extraction. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in the articles reviewed was 50.8%. The main source of antibiotics without a prescription is from community pharmacies. The practice of self-medication with antibiotics is influenced by multifactor. Conclusion: Self-medication with antibiotics is a very common practice in Asian countries, contributing to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance which is no longer a threat but a terrible reality. This review provides an overview of the need for solutions to reduce self-medication with antibiotics behaviour in the community.