Antibiotics Use in Adult Population, as Perceived by Family Doctors in Romania

Introduction: In recent years, the problem of overprescribed antibiotics has become one of the most serious public health issues at global level. Clear evidence shows direct relation between antibiotics consumption and the resistance developed by the microbial agents

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of antibiotics recommendations from other medical practitioners or pharmacists and reported self-medication, in the family doctor’s office

Methods: We conducted a survey questionnaire on 184 family doctors from Romania that volunteered to gather information for one week on a daily basis. he questionnaire for adults had four questions, related to the frequency of antibiotics consumption based on the recommendation from emergency rooms or other doctors, self-medication, antibiotics recommended and delivered by pharmacies and personal recommendation of antibiotics

Conclusion: We conclude that the level of antibiotics recommendations for diseases, which usually do not benefit from this type of treatment, is high, with a large proportion of adult patients coming to the family doctor for reimbursement. The level of auto-medication with antibiotics, in adults, is also elevated, in most of the cases based on leftover medication.