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Malawi Medical Journal
College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Medical Association of Malawi
ISSN: 1995-7262
Vol. 26, No. 1, 2014, pp. 12-15
Bioline Code: mm14003
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

Malawi Medical Journal, Vol. 26, No. 1, 2014, pp. 12-15

 en How much do patients in Blantyre, Malawi know about antibiotics and other prescription only medicines?
Foster, E. K. & Bandawe, C. R.

Abstract

Introduction
This qualitative and quantitative exploratory study was conducted to assess patients’/customers’ knowledge, beliefs and practices about antibiotics and other prescription only medication (POM) in 10 community pharmacies in Blantyre, Malawi.
Method 5 out of 10 pharmacies were selected by simple random sampling and 54 participants attending the selected pharmacies were interviewed.
Results
The major antibiotic drugs frequently requested without a doctor’s prescription were Bactrim (Cotrimoxazole) and amoxicillin. Knowledge of these medicines was attributed to the patients’ previous medical conditions and doctor’s prescription. However this knowledge does not extend to understanding of proper therapeutic indications and dosage regimens for antibiotic therapy. The majority (30 out of 54 participants) did not know about the importance of completing a prescribed course of antibiotics. All 54 participants believed in the efficiancy of antibiotics.
Conclusion
Study participants had wide range of knowledge about antibiotics and other POM from hospital, but the majority had limited knowledge regarding clinical indications and correct dosage schedules.

 
© Copyright 2014 - Malawi Medical Journal
Alternative site location: http://revista.uft.edu.br/index.php/jbb/index

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