Utilization of Antibiotics in Nablus City- Palestine Pharmaco-epidemiological Study

Few studies have studied the frequency of over the counter acquisition of antibiotics in Arabic countries. In order to provide an insight into these practice we investigate the frequency of self –medication in Nablus city- Palestine and factors influencing this practice . Pharmacy based interviewed and observation data were collected from 9207purchares sampled from 24 privet pharmacy in the area. 1702 of 9207 customers purchased antibiotics without prescription (18.48) in a two week period. our data show that people likely to follow this practice are from low income families (workers and employee). Also data show that the risk of buying antibiotics without prescription was associated with education at university level. The perception that it is expensive to consult doctors and low satisfaction with medical practitioners. The antibiotics were mainly self-administered for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms particularly sore throat with community pharmacies being source of about 70% of cases. The study indicates the needs for educational campaigns on proper antibiotics use among Palestinian general public, also the need of other studies about this problem.