The price of health: exploring how cost influences public attitudes towards antibiotics

To examines public perceptions, attitudes and knowledge concerning antibiotics, with a particular focus on the impact of OTC accessibility and affordability. The availability of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines including antibiotics and economic disparities encourages unsupervised self-medication which may pose a threat to increase antibiotic resistance. This cross-sectional survey utilized random sampling, stratified by demographics, to assess adults' perceptions, attitudes and understanding of antibiotics in our region. The questionnaire, covered demographics, usage patterns, resistance knowledge, OTC availability and affordability concerns. Data were gathered through face-to-face interactions and social media. Out of 1,024 invited participants, 719 respondents were participated in the survey. Our study reveals that 225(31.2%) of daily and monthly wage earners opt to self-medication, primarily due to the high cost of consultations with 121(16.8%) of respondents citing this as their reason. Despite 195(27.1%) being satisfied with OTC medications, common issues persist such as affordability with 263(36.5%) of daily wage earners finding antibiotics too costly. Compounding the issue, 372(51.7%) do not complete their full course of antibiotics, increasing the risk of resistance. 58.5% of respondents believed that antibiotics are used to treat viral infection such as common cold and influenza. The findings of our study indicate that daily wage earners struggle to afford medications. It's important to implement the national pharmaceutical policy more effectively. Increasing the availability and accessibility of generic drugs is essential. Additionally, policies to restrict the purchase of antibiotics without prescription and to educate on their proper use are urgently needed.