A Questionnaire-Based Cross-sectional Survey on Use of Antibiotics Among in General Public of Darbhanga Bihar

Abstract

Aim: A questionnaire-based survey on use of antibiotics among in Darbhanga Bihar.
Methods: This Community based descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the
Department of Pharmacology, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai,
Darbhanga, Bihar, India.1000 participants were included in this study. Family member more
than 15 year of age were included. Those families who are not ready to take part in the study
were excluded from this study.
Results: After collection of data, 1000 Questionnaire were analysed. Among them 610 were
female responders and 390 were male responders. The present study showed that 77% (n=770)
of the study population was unaware of antibiotics and its resistance. 23% (n=230) of
participants were aware of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Of the total, 61% (n=610)
population believed antibiotics were not harmful and among these, females 56% were less
likely to perceive antibiotics as harmful compared to males. The study showed that 66%
(n=660) population were known to continue the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by
doctors, and females were more likely to continue the course 59% compared to males 41 %.
We found that 81% (n=810) population were not instructed by doctors about the hazards of not
taking the full course of the antibiotics prescribed. Around 66% (n=660) of study participants
self-medicate (over the counter or OTC) antibiotics i.e. take antibiotics without doctor’s
prescription. Females showed a higher tendency towards OTC antibiotics 57%. OTC
antibiotics were mainly taken for common cold and body-ache and the most common reason
for not taking doctor’s prescription was high consultation fees. Nearly 70% (n=700) of the
participants reported sharing antibiotics with family members and others, of whom males
showed more tendency of sharing the antibiotics 55%. In this study, 61% of the study
population were unaware about antibiotics disposal and threw unused antibiotics in the trash.
The proper method of disposal of unused drugs was demonstrated to the population. In feedback 100% said this activity of bringing awareness of antibiotic use and medicine take
back program is going to help them in future.
Conclusion: The unawareness among the population about antibiotics use, resistance, and
disposal. The participants were educated about resistance, proper use and disposal of
antibiotics. Medicine take-back program for disposal or reuse of antibiotics was initiated.