Differences in Knowledge and Attitudes of Self-Prescription of Antibiotics in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The study examined knowledge and attitudes among adults who use self-prescribed antibiotics. A sample of 422 participants who self-medicated with antibiotics completed a self-reported questionnaire on antibiotic use, knowledge, and attitudes towards antibiotic use. Descriptive analysis, t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used. The results showed that pharmacies were the primary source of non-prescribed antibiotics (70.1%), and almost half of the respondents could not recall the name of the antibiotic they had self-medicated. Knowledge about antibiotics was insufficient. Females (p = .044), individuals with higher education (p < .001), and those with higher income (p = .036) demonstrated significantly better knowledge. The results showed that 51.4% had a negative attitude toward antibiotic use. Females and those who were unemployed had significantly more positive attitudes (p < .001). The results indicated a need for efforts to enforce drug laws and prevent the dispensing of antibiotics in pharmacies without a medical prescription.