Background: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a major behavioral problem that can lead to antimicrobial resistance. With the emergence of COVID-19, it is gradually becoming the focus of attention. Constructs from the theory of planned behavior (TPB) can be used to depict an individual's actions. This study aims to investigate the SMA behavior, and its associated factors based on the TPB in an Egyptian rural population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 245 adults living in a rural area in Egypt. Participants were assessed using a questionnaire that included personal and socioeconomic data, questions about SMA behavior within the previous three months, TPB constructs, SMA knowledge, and COVID -19 specific knowledge.
Results: SMA was practiced by about 38% of the participants. Its predictors were positive perceived behavioral control (OR 3.5, P=0.002), positive subjective norms (OR 2.9, P=0.003), having an intention to practice SMA (OR 2.5, P= 0.003), and positive attitude (OR 1.7, P= 0.005). Other predictors included internet use for getting medical information (OR 2.1, P=0.02), lack of health education about COVID-19 (OR 2.1, P= 0.03), and younger age (OR 0.9, P= 0.03).
Conclusion: SMA prevalence is considerably high. In the Egyptian rural community, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intent all predicted SMA, therefore the theory of planned behavior will be an appropriate foundation for constructing an educational intervention to minimize SMA behavior, particularly in high-risk young people