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Original Research | Medicine | Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026 | Pages: 635 - 640 | India
A Cross-Sectional Survey on Self-Prescribing and Over-The-Counter Use Practices of Antimicrobials in the Outpatient Services at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Abstract: Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health concern, and inappropriate antibiotic use remains an important contributor to this problem. Aim & objectives: This cross-sectional study assessed self-prescription and over-the-counter antibiotic use among 172 adult outpatients attending six departments of a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad, India. Material and methods: Data were collected through a validated 10-item questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-square test. Results: Antibiotic self-medication was reported by 70.9% of participants, including 8% who relied on self-prescription, 26% who obtained antibiotics over the counter, and 37% who followed both practices. Influenza-like illness was the leading reason for antibiotic use, followed by genital and gastrointestinal symptoms. Azithromycin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin were among the commonly used antibiotics. Age and gender showed no statistically meaningful association with self-medication, whereas socioeconomic status and literacy were strongly associated with these practices. Knowledge of correct dosage, frequency, and treatment duration was generally poor, and many participants failed to complete the prescribed course. Nearly 64% of those who self-medicated later sought medical care because treatment was unsuccessful. Conclusion and recommendations: The high level of unguided antibiotic use calls for stronger control over non-prescription antibiotic sales, better public awareness, and wider studies to guide measures aimed at reducing inappropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance.
Keywords: self- medication with antibiotics, self-prescription, over the counter use, antimicrobial resistance, misuse and overuse of antibiotics
How to Cite?: Dr. Sarwat Fatima, Syeda Mehreen, Umaiza Raza, "A Cross-Sectional Survey on Self-Prescribing and Over-The-Counter Use Practices of Antimicrobials in the Outpatient Services at a Tertiary Care Hospital", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 635-640, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26808205004, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26808205004