Is self-medication with antibiotics among the public a global concern: a mixed-methods systematic review

作者：Tenghao Wang, Jianxiong Wu, Jinxi Li, Pengfei Zhou, Qinnan Li, Xiaomin Xu, Yanhong Gong, Xiaoxv Yin · 发表于：Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1080/14787210.2024.2419607 · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：Antibiotic Use and Resistance、Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts、Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Irrational use of antibiotics is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance. Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) may exacerbate antimicrobial resistance in the community without professional diagnosis by physicians, due to the complexity of the pharmacological mechanisms. There is still a lack of assessment of the global prevalence of SMA. We have evaluated the global prevalence of SMA and its associated factors, which could provide more reliable data to support global action. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. Quantitative studies were combined using meta-analysis with random-effects models, and qualitative synthesis was performed using interpretive meta-ethnographic methods. RESULTS: A total of 242 studies were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of SMA was 27.7% (95%CI: 24.9%-30.5%). Quantitative studies indicate that high income level, having family members working in the healthcare system, storing antibiotics at home, and purchasing antibiotics without prescriptions were associated with a greater likelihood of SMA. Qualitative findings revealed the following four factors: individual characteristics, healthcare, pharmacy, and social networks. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of global SMA among the public remains high level. Multisectoral and community-based interventions are needed to reduce SMA, including targeted health education, improved access to healthcare, and regulation of antibiotics sales in pharmacie...