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Factors associated to self-medication with antibiotics in the adult population in Cuenca-Ecuador, period 2017

Abstract:

Background: Antibiotic resistance is one of the consequences of inappropriate use of antibiotics, in particular of its abuse. Objective: To determine the factors associated to self-medication with antibiotics in the adult population in Cuenca-Ecuador, period 2017. Methodology: An Analytical, Descriptive-transversal study. Calculating the sample size was made for a population of 329.928 inhabitants (INEC, 2010); level of confidence: 95%; margin of error: 5%; ratio: 30%; the calculation was equal to 329 participants. The results were analyzed using the SPSS version15 program and presented in tables with absolute and relative values; the variable association is determined with the value of Chi-square (p <0.05) OR and 95% CI. Results: Mean age: 36 years old (SD 14); represented by gender: females 171 (52%); marital status: married 151 (45.9%); completed secondary education 112(34%); occupation: private employees 96(29.2%); family group: 4 to 6 people 169(51.4%), and salary of < $700.00 170(51.7%). Factors associated to self-medication with antibiotics, were statistically significant with values of: age <35 years old OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0, p = 0.003 value, and the instruction <12 years old OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.9, p = 0.02 value. Conclusions: Age <35 year-old presented as a risk factor for self-medication with antibiotics, and education <12 years showed a protective factor.