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Antibiotic Self-Medication Among Young Adults in Kosovo

Author

Listed:
  • Zana Shabani

    (Thematic Specialist in Health and Nutrition Save the Children Pristina, Kosovo)

  • Kerry J. Redican*

    (Department of Population Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA, Virginia)

Abstract

A survey was developed and distributed to adult pharmacy customers in Pristina, Kosovo to explore the extent and reasons for self-medication and knowledge regarding antibiotic use. The survey was distributed via-email to a convenience sample of pharmacy customers (n=693). Four hundred and nineteen (n=419, 63.2% response rate) completed surveys were returned. Most respondents (56%, n=235) were between 25-45 years old, almost 80% (79.62%, n=332) held a university degree, 59.43% were females, and 12.05% (n=50) were unemployed.  Sore throats (44.47%, n=185) were the most common reason for self-medicating with antibiotics followed by other – unspecified (28.61%, n=119), cough (7.21%, n=30) and pain (6.49%, n=27). Amoxicillin was the most frequently self-administered antibiotic (41.1%, n=175). It was concluded that self-medication with antibiotics in this sample is a problem and controlling antibiotic use is an important public health effort.

Suggested Citation

  • Zana Shabani & Kerry J. Redican*, 2018. "Antibiotic Self-Medication Among Young Adults in Kosovo," International Journal of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Academic Research Publishing Group, vol. 4(7), pages 134-140, 07-2018.
    • Handle: RePEc:arp:ijohms:2018:p:134-140
    DOI: arpgweb.com/?ic=journal&journal=13&info=aims
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fwu‐Ranq Chang & Pravin K. Trivedi, 2003. "Economics of self‐medication: theory and evidence," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 12(9), pages 721-739, September.
    2. Hui Pan & Binglin Cui & Dangui Zhang & Jeremy Farrar & Frieda Law & William Ba-Thein, 2012. "Prior Knowledge, Older Age, and Higher Allowance Are Risk Factors for Self-Medication with Antibiotics among University Students in Southern China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-8, July.
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