A SURVEY OF ANTIBIOTICS PURCHASED WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION AMONG NON-HEALTH SCIENCE STUDENTS IN JEMBER, INDONESIA
Abstract: Previous research
showed that self-medication practice with antibiotics is widespread in developing
countries and tertiary students are among these consumers. This study aimed to
estimate the prevalence of the use of antibiotics without prescription among
non-health science students in Jember and to identify the sources of
non-prescription antibiotics. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between
April and June 2016 in all non-health science faculties of Universitas Jember.
A questionnaire containing four main short questions about antibiotics use and
questions related to socio-demographic information was distributed to students
who gave consent. A number of 130 (58.5%) respondents admitted to ever acquire
antibiotics without the presence of a physician prescription. Self-medication
with antibiotics tended to be done by students from rural areas (p=0.04) and
without health insurance (p=0.04). The sources of non-prescription antibiotics
vary, but pharmacy was the most frequently cited to be the source (n=82;
46.3%). This study showed that the use of antibiotics without prescription
among non-health science students and the sale of antibiotics without
prescription among pharmacies in Jember are prevalent. Real responses from the
government, relevant health professional associations, and education
institutions to intervene these problems are significantly needed.
Keywords: antibiotics; Jember;
non-health science students; self-medication
Penulis: Antonius Nugraha
Widhi Pratama, Anis Rohmawati, Ema Rachmawati
Kode Jurnal: jpfarmasidd180177
