Self-medication with antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic: knowledge and practice among non-medical university students

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) presents a major public health problem, particularly through the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have intensified this practice. This study investigates the prevalence, knowledge, and key determinants of SMA among non-medical university students in M’sila Province, Algeria, during the pandemic.

Methodology: Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and cross-tabulations of selected variables, were calculated. The Chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with SMA.

Results: A total of 415 students (78.1% female) consented to participate in the study between May 2021 and March 2022. The prevalence of SMA for treating COVID-19 symptoms among non-medical students was 40.5%. Higher rates were observed among biology, single, and graduate students, at 44.4%, 41.2%, and 41.9%, respectively. In case of mild illness, 34.7% of biology respondents self-medicated with antibiotics compared to higher proportion (42.4%) of non-biology students (p = 0.048). Logistic regression analysis showed that students who were supposed to have excellent knowledge of medications were more likely to self-medicate (OR = 6.613; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic context increased the likelihood of SMA by more than 3-fold (OR = 3.104; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased SMA among non-medical university students, highlighting the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns and educational interventions to promote rational antibiotic use during health crises. Furthermore, relevant health authorities should strengthen their control measures during pandemics to prevent drug delivery misuse.