Beliefs Of Self-medication With Non-prescribed Antibiotics Among Undergraduate Students In Thailand

The antimicrobial resistance has become the global security as the characteristic which harmful to human security.Although,in Thailand,antibiotics are an over-counter drug which can buy without a prescription.This problem facilitated Thai people to self-medicate themselves and caused the irrational drug use which is a major cause of drug resistance.This mix-method study explored non-prescribed antibiotic use among undergraduates who will be the future adults by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to develop a questionnaire for the survey.One hundred and thirty-three(N=133)participants with experiences have completed the survey.Statistical analysis and multiple regression were applied.The major findings found that Subjective Norm and Perceived Behavioral control influenced to the participants' intention to self-medication with non-prescribed antibiotics.Families and friends have an impact on participants to decide to self-medicate with non-prescribed antibiotics.The available of non-prescribed antibiotic in pharmacy facilitated the participants to perform self-medication.The policy recommendation for a long-term solution needs to address the basic knowledge regarding drug use and self-medication in the primary education curriculum.The public knowledge and awareness about drug resistance and drug use should also be more accessible to Thai people.