Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of self-medication with antibiotics among rural elders in Anhui, China

Objectives Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern, and self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) can increase AMR. In the older adults, SMA could be more problematic and requires particular concern. Methods We conducted the study in Anhui, China among 788 rural older adults by using a questionnaire. Results We observed poor knowledge, attitudes and relatively high prevalence of SMA behavior among rural older adults. Common cold, cough and toothache were the top three reasons cited by the older adults for SMA. Logistic Regression indicated that age ≥ 80, knowledge score ≥ 3 were negatively associated with SMA behavior, while 0–6 years of education, family per capita monthly income>1000RMB, distance to the nearest hospital ≥ 1km, and stored antibiotics at home were apt to SMA behavior. Conclusion Proper education and guidance, enhanced oral health care, regulated and convenient pharmacy services may support to promote rational antibiotics use among rural older adults.