About a Portuguese communiti's awareness of antibiotic use

Antibiotics are used in the treatment of infections with the purpose of eliminating or preventing the bacterial growth. Over the years, bacteria has become resistant to antibiotics due to incorrect use and overuse. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the pharmacy users’ awareness of antibiotic use. This was done in order to identify potential inaccuracies during treatment, as well as to evaluate the respondents’ awareness of bacterial resistance as a public health problem. The questionnaire was applied to users in the form of interviews which took place during the period May to July 2012. This study involved 106 individuals aged over 16 years. The treatment of throat infections was the main reason given for the consumption of antibiotics (22.6 %). 64.2 % of the respondents believed that bacteria often cause colds and flu, and 30.2 % of the respondents said that they did not complete the treatment. 81.1 % of respondents recognized the existence of the problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between age group (p-value = 0.001) and educational qualifications (p-value = 0.004) related to the knowledge of the type of infections treated with antibiotics. Knowledge regarding the mode of consumption of antibiotics in small geographic areas allows local health professionals to improve the way antibiotics are used.