SELF-MEDICATION WITH ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN A NORTHEAST REGION OF ROMANIA

Self-medication with antimicrobial drugs is an important problem in the world and may lead to serious consequences for healthcare systems. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of self-medication with antimicrobial drugs among university students in a Northeast region of Romania. Material and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted to collect data from medical and non-medical students who lived in residence halls. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test, when applicable. Results: Out of the 320 questionnaires distributed, a total of 281 students completed and returned the questionnaires. Among these, 115 (41%) respondents admitted to have used at least one antibiotic in the six months prior to the survey, 44% of whom did not seek medical advice (irrational self-medication). The most common antimicrobial drugs used for self-medication were amoxicillin (37%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (33%), ciprofloxacin and penicillin (14%) and the most frequently reported reasons for self-medication were respiratory and oral infections (31%), common cold (25%), and genitourinary infections (20%). Some students mentioned the use of more than one antimicrobial drug, for more than one disease. Conclusions: self-medication with antimicrobial drugs is a relatively common practice among students in Romania. This suggests the need for interventions to prevent the irrational use of antimicrobial drugs, such as the implementation of national programs for public education regarding the risks and consequences for the health of irrational use of antimicrobials.