Investigation of Self-Medication with Antibiotics for Dental Infections Among Adults in Anambra State

Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat, and self-medication practices for dental infections in Nigerian communities contribute to this challenge by promoting inappropriate antibiotic use. This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of self-medication with antibiotics for dental infections among adults in Awka and Onitsha, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 360 adults was conducted using systematic random sampling in community pharmacies and markets. A structured questionnaire assessed dental pain or swelling history, antibiotic use without prescription, drug type, dosage compliance, knowledge of antibiotic resistance, and previous dental care experience. Results showed that 58.9 percent had self-medicated with antibiotics for a dental complaint in the preceding 12 months. Amoxicillin and metronidazole were the most frequently self-prescribed antibiotics. Only 31.7 percent completed the full antibiotic course. Awareness of antibiotic resistance was low at 22.2 percent. The primary reason for self-medication was cost avoidance (67.3 percent), followed by previous successful use (48.6 percent). Pharmacy dispensing without prescription was reported by 74.4 percent of respondents as the antibiotic source. Educational level was not a significant predictor of self-medication. Recommendations include enforcement of prescription-only dispensing laws, community awareness campaigns on antibiotic resistance and dental referral, training of pharmacists in recognising dental emergencies requiring referral, and expansion of affordable dental services in Anambra State.

Keywords: antibiotic self-medication, dental infection, antibiotic resistance, Anambra State, dental care