Decision analysis of antibiotic use

Abstract

The research objectives have been analysing the profile of the antibiotics consumers in Romania, the causes and risks of the irrational use of antibiotics, the way of their purchasing from community pharmacies in the country and the proposal of a correct and efficient information modality of the population on the risks of irrational antibiotics consumption. An instrumental marketing research has been conducted, based on a survey using a questionnaire distributed to a representative sample, the evaluation being achieved in all counties in Romania. The obtained results have highlighted the main causes of the irrational use of antibiotics: their administration in conditions that don’t require such a treatment, population’s inability to clearly and accurately associate the antibiotic with the affections that it treats, sometimes the insufficient counselling provided by physicians and pharmacists regarding the posology and the risks of antibiotics consumption, and getting antibiotics from community pharmacies, in some cases, without presenting a medical prescription. In order to educate the population, an original, interactive and suggestive booklet has been accomplished, to correctly inform patients about antibiotics and the treated diseases, so they would understand the risks implied by the irrational use of antibiotics. The study results have indicated a series of problems related to the antibiotics’ use in Romania. It is very important to be aware of the risks associated with an irrational consumption of antibiotics, which is the main factor of the emergence of the bacterial resistance. One proposed solution has aimed to inform the public including through the elaboration and dissemination of concludent informative materials.