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  • Title: Antibiotic dispensation by Lebanese pharmacists: a comparison of higher and lower socio-economic levels.
    Author: Farah R, Lahoud N, Salameh P, Saleh N.
    Journal: J Infect Public Health; 2015; 8(1):37-46. PubMed ID: 25139454.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics contributes to a global spread of antimicrobial resistance. Previous studies showed an excessive consumption of antibiotics purchased without medical prescription from community pharmacies, mainly in developing countries. There is a shortage of studies revealing the role of community pharmacists in the overuse of antibiotics. Our objective is to study the dispensing policy of non-medical prescription antibiotics in community pharmacies, assessing the possible influence of the socio-economic level of the area over this practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2011 among 100 pharmacists working in Beirut's pharmacies and its suburbs. Pharmacies were divided into 2 groups according to the socio-economic level of the population living in the pharmacy area. A self-administered questionnaire was filled by pharmacists. RESULTS: Over-the-counter antibiotic availability existed in both higher and lower socio-economic areas: on the whole, 32% of antibiotics were dispensed without medical prescription, with higher frequency in lower socio-economic areas (p=0.003). Dispensing injectable antibiotics without medical prescription was significantly higher in lower socio-economic areas (p=0.021), as well as dispensing an association of 2 antibiotics without medical prescription (p=0.001). Pharmacists working in lower socio-economic areas recommended more frequent antibiotics to children and the elderly (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Dispensing antibiotics without medical prescription in Beirut community pharmacies is a common practice, particularly in lower socioeconomic areas. This public health problem should be addressed at the social, educational, and legislative levels.
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