A Multifaceted Analysis of Self-Medication With Antibiotics in South-East Delhi: A Mixed-Method Study Among Adults Who Self-Reported Antibiotic Use in the Past Three Months

The study reveals that the misuse of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), increasing healthcare costs and mortality. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) among adults is 36.4%, with 63 participants self-measuring for cold and flu-like symptoms. Key predictors include marital status, religion, education, socioeconomic class, chronic disease presence, knowledge, and attitude. Factors driving SMA include convenience, trust in local chemists, economic constraints, misinformation, long waiting times, limited healthcare access, and community acceptance. To address SMA and mitigate AMR, authorities should enforce stricter regulations on over-the-counter antibiotic sales and implement targeted community education programs.