This study evaluated behaviors and attitudes regarding antibiotic use among 298 adults in Portugal. 14% reported self-medicating with antibiotics. Self-medication was more common among younger, more educated individuals. Most self-medicators believed it was acceptable to keep leftover antibiotics for future use. Additionally, 59% thought antibiotics could treat viral infections like colds and flu. The study concludes public health education is needed in Portugal to improve antibiotic management and knowledge of appropriate uses.

1. REFERENCES
[1] WHO – World Health Organization. 2015. [Cited on 14/06/2015]. Available at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs194/en/
[2] WHO – World Health Organization. 2015. [Cited on 16/06/2015]. Available at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/antibiotic-resistance/en/
Background: In the past years, antimicrobial resistance has been
increasing, in great part to its misuse, in which WHO has now considered
a threat for the public health.[1]
The spreading and emerging of antibiotics' resistance is getting worse in
countries where antibiotics can be bought without a prescription.
Similarly, in countries without standard treatment guidelines, antibiotics
are often over-prescribed by health workers and over-used by the
public.[2]
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate behaviours and
attitudes of antibiotics use among adults in the south region of Portugal,
Algarve, particularly self-medication and knowledge about these drugs.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Study: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study.
Sample: Interviews with 298 subjects aged 18 years old or older with a
questionnaire of about 17 questions.
Data collect: The study were conducted in 3 shopping centers of
Algarve’s Region: Faro, Tavira and Albufeira, due to the European
Antibiotic Awareness Day Campaign.
Statistical analysis: statistic software SPSS, with the significant level of
0,05 and the confidence interval of 95%.
Main outcome measures:
a) Percentage of self-medication according to the characteristics of the
respondents;
b) Percentage of respondents who do not know which microorganisms
are the target of antibiotics.
METHODS OF STUDY
RESULTS
A total of 298 respondents participated in the study: 187 (62,8%) were
females and 111 (37,2%) were males.
Of the 296 respondents 42 (14,2%) assumed self-medicate while 254
(85,8%) did not self-medicate.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
No Yes
50 7
81 17
66
11
57 7
18-34 years 35-49 years 50-64 years > 64 Years
Fig. 1 - Self medication versus age groups
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
No Yes
147 24
66
8
41
10
Working Retired Unemployed
Fig. 2 - Self medication versus work status
Self-medicated individuals were related to the following statement: “I can keep
whatever antibiotics remain at home and take them if I get sick another time.”
There were 13 (29,5%) who agreed while 28 (11,3%) disagreed. Concerning the
statement “Cold, flu and cough symptoms improve faster with antibiotics”; 76
(25,5%) agreed, 180 (60,4%) disagreed, and 42 (14,1%) said they did not know.
Additionally, 136 of 229 respondents (59,4%) considered utilizing antibiotics for
viral infections while only 93 respondents (40,6%) disagreed.
Self-medication was more frequent among younger (Chi2= 1,529; p=
0,675) and more educated individuals (Chi2= 7,098; p= 0,069),
despite of no statistical significance. Individuals who believe they can
keep antibiotics at home present a higher risk of self-medication
(Fisher test; p<0.004).
Respondents over the age of 50 and those who has already retired
less frequently self-medicated, 18 (42,9%) and 8 (19,0%),
respectively.
Self-
medicated
14%
Not Self-
medicated
86%
Secondary
and higher
education
(76,2%)
Middle School
(23,8%)
Fig. 3 – Percentage of self-medication and its relation with education of the
individuals
29,5%
11,3%
70,5%
88,7%
AGREED DISAGREED
Not Self-
medicated
Self-
medicated
Fig. 4 - Self-Medication vs. “I can keep whatever antibiotics
remain at home and take them if I get sick another time”
136 people
agreed
59,4%
93 people
disagreed
40,6%
Fig. 5 – Antibiotics are used to
treat viral infections
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
*e-mail address: a44347@ualg.pt
C. F. Marques*, A. Amado, I. R. Ramalhinho
University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A higher percentage of self-medication is prevalent among younger and
more educated individuals. Self-medicated individuals agree with the
possibility to keep antibiotics at home. Most of the individuals who self-
medicated did not know what the target of antibiotics is. Public health
education and addressing the management of medications at home needs
to be implemented and evaluated in Portugal.
The authors thank the University of Algarve for all the support and resources
provided, the students who helped gather the data and the people who
participated in this study.
"MEDICINES INFORMATION – MAKING BETTER DECISIONS“
44TH ESCP SYMPOSIUM ON CLINICAL PHARMACY; LISBON, PORTUGAL, 28-30 OCTOBER 2015