Prevalence of antibiotic misuse in cases of pneumonia and diarrhea in Saudi Arabia

Ebtehaj Saud Almughais; Fatmah Fahad Alreshidi; Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed

doi:10.33393/dti.2023.2614

Prevalence of antibiotic misuse in cases of pneumonia and diarrhea in Saudi Arabia

Drug Target Insights. 2023 Oct 9:17:114-119. doi: 10.33393/dti.2023.2614. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Ebtehaj Saud Almughais¹, Fatmah Fahad Alreshidi¹, Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail - Saudi Arabia.
² Department of Histopathology and Cytology, FMLS, University of Khartoum, Khartoum - Sudan.

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic misuse is a major public health issue with long-term repercussions.

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of pneumonia and diarrhea, with an emphasis on antibiotic misuse.

Methodology: This study included 410 participants (217 fathers and 193 mothers), of whom 239 purchased antibiotics for their children without a prescription, whereas 171 had a prescription or were unsure if one was required.

Results: Antibiotics were used incorrectly by 58.1% of respondents. About 51.2% of participants said they were taking two antibiotics at the same time. Around 30% of people admitted to using antibiotics inefficiently. The most prevalent reason for use was "viral and bacterial," followed by "viral," and then "bacterial," with 35%, 21%, and 20%, respectively. In addition, 22.4% of patients have used antibiotics for an unknown reason.

Conclusion: Saudi parents of children with pneumonia and diarrhea abuse antibiotics. Saudi legislation banning medications without a prescription has helped reduce antibiotic abuse, but more community-based education and awareness are needed.

Keywords: Antibiotic abuse; Antibiotic misuse; Diarrhea; Pneumonia; Saudi Arabia.