Antibiotic Self-Medication for Oral Conditions: Characteristics and Associated Factors

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and contributing factors of antibiotic selfmedication for oral conditions in dental patients. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 501 patients attending Taibah University Dental College and Hospital, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia during late 2016. Questions were on socio-demographic characteristics, and pattern of antibiotic self-medication for oral disease. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software version 21. Statistical significance level was set at p ≤.05. Results: Age range was 15-64 years (29.08±9.32 years) with 297 females (59.3%) and 204 males (40.7%). 135 patients (27%) self-medicated with antibiotics for oral disease. This practice was statistically significantly associated with the older adults (p=0.001), lack of medical or dental insurance (p=0.014 and 0.007, respectively), and poor dental attendance (p=0.021). A number of 26 (25.7%) perceived analgesics as antibiotics. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most commonly cited antibiotic by 18 patients (17.8%). Dental pain was the most frequently reported oral condition. Pharmacists were the most common source for antibiotic prescription cited by 58 (57.4%). Conclusion: Antibiotic self-medication for oral disease is associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for non-indicated clinical oral conditions. The practice was encouraged by lenient behavior of pharmacists, lack of health insurance, and poor dental attendance.

The Use of Unconventional Substances and Tools in Narghile Smoking; a Pilot Study in Jordan.

Aims: Narghile smoking may be associated with a number of unconventional practices that need to be thoroughly investigated for their potential health problems. We investigated the prevalence and pattern of unconventional practices related to narghile smoking including the use of medications, fruits, and alcohol, among a sample of café patrons. Place and Duration of Study: A few cafés at Amman, Jordan during July 2011. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey whereby a pre-prepared questionnaire was distributed to a sample of café patrons. Questionnaire included demographic information, history of tobacco use, pattern of narghile smoking including unconventional practices and lastly health awareness and attitudes towards cessation. Results: Out of 96 café patrons, 61 (63.5%) agreed to participate with 42 males and 19 females. Age range was 16-64 years (mean=27.5±9.2). About 47.5% used fruits as the narghile head and 16.4% used fruits as water tank. Equal proportions (9.5%) of the sample added either milk/soft drinks to tank or added drugs to tobacco mix or the liquid contents of the tank. Conclusion: Narghile smoking may be associated with unconventional practices like the use of psychoactive drugs and alcohol. Further research is needed to explore the reasons behind this trend, and the associated potential health hazards.