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

Ebtehaj Saud ALmughais; Fatmah Fahad Alreshidi; Hussain Ahmed

doi:10.33393/dti.2023.2614

Authors

Ebtehaj Saud ALmughais Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail - Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9802-7567
Fatmah Fahad Alreshidi Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail - Saudi Arabia
Hussain Ahmed Department of Histopathology and Cytology, FMLS, University of Khartoum, Khartoum - Sudan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6579-0574

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33393/dti.2023.2614

Keywords:

Antibiotic abuse, Antibiotic misuse, Diarrhea, Pneumonia, Saudi Arabia

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.

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