Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Nursing Students in Serbia: Pilot Study

Healthcare professionals should serve as promoters of rational antibiotic use in attempt to decrease antibiotics misuse within the process of self-medication. Current pilot study was undertaken with the aim to identify potential predictors of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) and to describe SMA practice among nursing students in Serbia. Data have been collected during the period March-May, 2016 in Medical school of bachelor degree, in Belgrade. Self-reported questionnaire served as a data source. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse study sample characteristics. Chi-square test was used to test differences between groups. Study sample have included 138 participants. Almost half of them, 43.8%, practice SMA. Life style (smoking, alcohol consumption, sleeping habits and physical activity) and socio-demographic characteristics (excepted school grade) were not shown as SMA determinants. Time & money savings were stated as the most frequent reason for SMA, while common cold, sore throat and cough were the most common conditions cured through SMA. Pharmacists’ recommendations and previous positive experience were specified as the most important in the process of antibiotics selection, indicated by 50.0% and 37.5% participants, respectively. Amoxicillin was the most frequently used antibiotic in SMA, used by 50% of participants who practice SMA. High proportion of SMA and observed practice among nursing students in Serbia call for efforts with regards to relevant education about rational antibiotic use, actual clinical guidelines and potential consequences of misuse.