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dc.contributor.authorSambakunsi, Cecilia S.
dc.contributor.authorSmåbrekke, Lars
dc.contributor.authorVarga, Christine A.
dc.contributor.authorSolomon, Vernon
dc.contributor.authorMponda, John S.
dc.date.accessioned2020-03-03T08:19:39Z
dc.date.available2020-03-03T08:19:39Z
dc.date.issued2019-12
dc.description.abstract<i>Background</i> - The use of antimicrobials is associated with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and self-medication increases the risk of the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding self-medication with antimicrobials among residents in Lilongwe, Malawi.<p><p> <i>Methodology</i> - This study has a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design. We conducted two focus group discussions (n=15) to describe community attitudes towards self-medication with antimicrobials and used a structured questionnaire to collect data on individual KAP regarding self-medication from 105 respondents.<p><p> <i>Results</i> - Self-medication was common, and the sources of these medicines were market vendors, pharmacies, drugs shared with friends and family and those leftover from previous treatments. The lack of medical supplies, long distances to health facilities, poor attitudes of medical professionals towards patients, and past experience with the disease and treatment are the main factors that influence self-medication. KAP respondents had little knowledge of antimicrobials, their use, or any awareness of AMR. Seventy-four per cent (n=78) were unable to differentiate antimicrobials from other categories of medicines, and 92.4% wrongly responded that antimicrobials could be used to stop a fever. Concerning attitudes towards self-medication, over 54% wrongly believe that antimicrobials are effective in treating common colds. In regard to practice, 53% reported that they would use antimicrobials to treat upper respiratory infections, and 41% agreed that they must complete antibiotic therapy even if they are improving. Logistic regression analysis found that stocking antimicrobials at home for future use significantly promotes self-medication whereas an awareness of AMR would reduce self-medication.<p><p> <i>Conclusion</i> - Self-medication is a public health risk that needs to be addressed urgently. Findings from this study point to the need for multifaceted interventions.en_US
dc.identifier.citationSambakunsi, Småbrekke L, Varga, Solomon V, Mponda. Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to self-medication with antimicrobials in Lilongwe, Malawi. Malawi Medical Journal. 2019;31(4):225-232en_US
dc.identifier.cristinIDFRIDAID 1798725
dc.identifier.doi10.4314/mmj.v31i4.2
dc.identifier.issn1995-7262
dc.identifier.issn1995-7270
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10037/17569
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of Malawi, College of Medicineen_US
dc.relation.journalMalawi Medical Journal
dc.rights.accessRightsopenAccessen_US
dc.rights.holder© 2019 The College of Medicine and the Medical Association of Malawien_US
dc.subjectVDP::Medical disciplines: 700en_US
dc.subjectVDP::Medisinske Fag: 700en_US
dc.titleKnowledge, attitudes and practices related to self-medication with antimicrobials in Lilongwe, Malawien_US
dc.type.versionpublishedVersionen_US
dc.typeJournal articleen_US
dc.typeTidsskriftartikkelen_US
dc.typePeer revieweden_US


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