Self-medication with antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study among adults in Tema, Ghana.

Henry Kwadwo HackmanLawrence AnnisonReuben Essel ArhinGeorge Osei AdjeiPhyllis OtuEmele Arthur-HayfordSharon AnnisonBernard Bortei Borteih

Published in: PloS one (2024)

The high prevalence of antibiotic self-medication observed during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for enhanced public education and stricter enforcement of regulations governing antibiotic sales. The non-medical and medical factors of convenience, avoiding long hospital queues, previous successful experience, easy access to antibiotics, treating symptoms, prophylaxis, and fear of hospital infection which motivated antibiotic self-medication practices require the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

Keyphrases

healthcare
adverse drug
physical activity
primary care
emergency department
mental health
acute care
sleep quality