Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2002 Oct;20(4):253-7.

Over-the-counter acquisition of antibiotics in the Maltese general population.

Source

Infection Control Unit, St. Luke's Hospital, MSD 07, Guardamangia, Malta. michael.a.borg@gov.mt

Abstract

Few studies have studied the frequency of over-the-counter acquisition of antibiotics in western countries. In order to provide an insight into these practices in Malta, attitudes towards antibiotic use in the general public were researched through a structured interview. Nineteen percent admitted that they took antibiotics without prescription and 11% of parents replied that they had given antibiotics to their children without prescription. These antibiotics were mainly self-administered for upper respiratory tract symptoms, particularly sore throat, with community pharmacies being the major source in more than 85% of cases. The study indicates the need for an educational campaign on proper antibiotic use amongst the Maltese general public.

PMID:: 12385680; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Anti-Bacterial Agents

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