Practices of patients consuming antibiotics and knowledge about antibiotic resistance in Hail region - Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: Antibiotic misuse is considered one of the major causes of antimicrobial resistance. Objective: The study aims to investigate the practices of antibiotic misuse in the region of Hail, Saudi Arabia and the extent of people awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: Participants ≥18 years of age of both genders were recruit by convenience sampling from different public places. Results: Out of 500 participants, 26% obtained their antibiotic without a prescription, 27% took antibiotics for unknown infections and only 34% completed antibiotic course. A total of 36.2% did not know about antibiotic resistance and its rise, but the majority were willing to learn. The results warrant further study into malpractice with a wider geographic area and sample size to generalize the results for the whole country.