Magnitude of non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing in Ethiopia: a multicentre simulated client study with a focus on non-urban towns.

It was possible to obtain antibiotics without prescription from a high proportion of CDROs, both in clinical scenario-based and direct antibiotic request interactions. Multifaceted interventions including stringent regulatory enforcement, frequent CDRO practice surveillance, CDRO staff training and community health education are needed with greater emphasis on rural areas.