Prevalence and Determinants of the Use of Antibiotics by Self-Medication in the Pediatric Population in Oujda, Morocco

Objective: Antibiotic resistance driven by antibiotic self-medication and inappropriate use of antibiotics is a growing global health threat. Our study aimed to describe parents' self-medication practices with antibiotics, determine the factors favoring their use in the pediatric population, and assess parents' knowledge of the role of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study over two months (September and October 2023). Data collection was performed using a questionnaire-guided interview. We included 460 parents of children consulting or hospitalized in the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Mohammed VI in Oujda, Morocco. Results: A total of 62% of parents questioned were mothers. Self-medication with antibiotics was noted in 313 families (68%). Parents used antibiotics mainly to treat cough (43%) and fever (24%). Betalactams were the antibiotic class most used by parents (72%). Information on dosage and methods of antibiotic administration was provided by pharmacy staff but was not respected by most parents (78%). Efficacy of treatment (58%), saving consultation costs and time (47%), and the ease of obtaining treatment without a prescription (42%) were reported in the majority of cases as reasons for using antibiotics by self-medication. In our context, the probability of self-medicating with antibiotics in the pediatric population is increased by female gender (OR=1.04), low level of education (OR=1.02), low socio-economic status (OR=1.09), and buying antibiotics without a prescription (OR=1.22). Conclusion: Although antibiotic self-medication in children is a worldwide phenomenon, influenced by several geographical, cultural, and economic factors, there is an urgent need to promote a global health strategy.