Table 8 Factors associated with antibiotics use among consumers (n = 509)
Why do you use or buy antibiotics? | Strongly agree n (%) | Agree n (%) | Neutral n (%) | Disagree n (%) | Strongly disagree n (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Laboratory reports take longer before they are ready, so I opt for antibiotics | 80 (15.7) | 160 (31.4) | 102 (20) | 97 (19.1) | 70 (13.8) |
2 | Antibiotics are powerful drugs that relieve symptoms faster | 157 (30.8) | 228 (45) | 92 (18.1) | 24 (4.7) | 7(1.4) |
3 | I use antibiotics because it was once prescribed by my doctor/ healthcare provider | 200 (39.3) | 194 (38.1) | 56 (11.0) | 38 (7.5) | 21 (4.1) |
4 | I do not like visiting the hospital because it is time wasting | 72 (14.1) | 77 (15.1) | 102 (20) | 138 (27.1) | 120 (23.6) |
5 | Rather than paying heavily for a consultation with a doctor, I prefer to use antibiotics | 72 (14.1) | 99 (19.4) | 86 (16.9) | 131 (25.7) | 121 (23.8) |
6 | As a result of my busy schedule, I go for antibiotics when I feel unwell instead of seeing a medical doctor | 62 (12.2) | 97 (19.1) | 105(20.6) | 134 (26.3) | 111(21.8) |
7 | The pharmacy’s closeness to my house or workplace, makes it easier for me to buy antibiotics when I am sick | 106 (20.8) | 137 (26.9) | 92 (18.1) | 100 (19.6) | 74 (14.5) |
8 | I use leftover antibiotics when I do not have enough money to afford a new one | 64 (12.6) | 83 (16.3) | 76 (14.9) | 139 (27.3) | 147 (28.9) |
9 | I have phobia for injections which are mostly administered in the hospital, so when I am ill, I opt for antibiotics instead | 76 (14.9) | 88 (17.3) | 98 (19.3) | 115 (22.6) | 132 (25.9) |
10 | If I skip one or two doses of my drug, I compensate that by using double doses | 32 (6.3) | 32 (6.3) | 65 (12.8) | 129 (25.3) | 251 (49.3) |
11 | I sometimes mix antibiotics with other herbal preparations for effectiveness | 32 (6.3) | 38 (7.5) | 73 (14.3) | 115 (22.6) | 251(49.3) |
12 | I buy antibiotics to use since they are readily available at the pharmacy without prescription | 57 (11.2) | 97 (19.1) | 92 (18.1) | 124 (24.4) | 138 (27.3) |
13 | If my family member or friend is ill, I can give him/her from my antibiotics especially if we have similar symptoms | 47 (9.2) | 112 (22.0) | 68 (13.4) | 118 (23.2) | 164 (32.2) |
14 | I do not need to visit a doctor for a prescription if I know the antibiotics to use when I am sick | 65 (12.8) | 110 (21.6) | 88 (17.3) | 122 (24.0) | 124 (24.4) |
15 | I use antibiotics when I feel symptoms of sickness | 58 (11.4) | 94 (18.5) | 97 (19.1) | 136 (26.7) | 124 (24.4) |
16 | If it is a minor illness, I can take the initiative to use antibiotics | 48 (9.4) | 109 (21.4) | 114 (22.4) | 130 (25.5) | 108 (21.2) |
17 | After lodging my complaint to the pharmacist, I find it comfortable to use the antibiotics given to me | 202 (39.7) | 173 (34.0) | 68 (13.4) | 36 (7.1) | 30 (5.9) |
18 | Pressures from families and friends usually make me use antibiotics even if I do not want to, especially when I am sick | 66 (13.0) | 67 (13.2) | 84 (16.5) | 130 (25.5) | 162 (31.8) |
19 | I buy antibiotics in bulk, in order to have them at home in case of any emergency | 43 (8.4) | 59 (11.6) | 66 (13.0) | 140 (27.5) | 201 (39.5) |
20 | I do not trust physicians and nurses, so I buy the antibiotics for myself without their advice | 24 (4.7) | 20 (3.9) | 53 (10.4) | 137 (26.9) | 275 (54.0) |