Investigation of awareness of rational antibiotic use among outpatients in Diyarbakır

Aim: This study aims to investigate the antibiotic use behavior of adult patients who applied to pharmacies in Diyarbakır and their level of knowledge about rational antibiotics. Materials and Methods: The study was planned as an observational analytical research and includes 308 individuals, male/female, aged 18 and over, who received outpatient treatment in Diyarbakır between February 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024. Individuals within the scope of the study were asked by face-to-face survey method; They were asked for what purpose they used antibiotics, the duration of antibiotic use, whether they used antibiotics other than the doctor's or pharmacist's recommendation, when they last used antibiotics, whether they insisted on a doctor prescribing antibiotics, and their level of knowledge about the concept of rational antibiotics. The groups were compared according to gender, education level, employment status and place of residence (rural-urban). Results: The average age of 308 participants included in the study was 33.93±0.722 years. The rate of using antibiotics for flu or cold and thinking that antibiotics have a pain-relieving effect was found to be higher among primary school and high school graduates, unemployed patients and rural districts (p<0.05). While the use of antibiotics to avoid getting sick was found to be higher in rural districts, no significant difference was found between other groups. It was determined that unemployed or retired patients received information from sources other than doctors and pharmacists at a higher rate than employed patients (p <0.05). The rate of receiving information about the side effects of the drug was found to be higher in female patients than in males (p<0.05). Conclusion: Lack of knowledge and incorrect behaviors regarding the rational use of antibiotics are particularly prevalent among primary and high school graduates as well as those living in rural areas. Providing education and information through the media on this subject would be beneficial. Key Words: Antibiotics, Flu, Common cold, Rational drug use