ABSTRACT
To assess the extent of self-medication with antibiotics [SMA] in a Jordanian population, and to evaluate the sociodemographic factors affecting this behaviour. Subjects and Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 477 patients aged 16-65 years attending the Department of Dentistry, University of Jordan Hospital. Socio-demographic data were collected and interviewees were asked about their SMA behaviour during the last 6 months, the reasons and motives for this behaviour, and the source and dose of the antibiotics were noted. The prevalence rate of SMA in the sample during the 6 months preceding the interview was 40.7% [194/477]. Patients aged 36-55 years and those in the middle-class income group were most likely to perform SMA. SMA was mainly for sore throats, common colds and dental infections, and community pharmacies were the major source [104, 53.6% cases]. Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic, and only 73 [37.6%] patients followed the correct dosage guidelines. Previous experience with similar illness and saving time were the most common reasons for SMA. Ninety-four [19.7%] patients admitted that they consulted another physician to obtain antibiotics when their first physician did not prescribe any. The findings showed that SMA was a frequent practice among Jordanians, signifying the need for an educational campaign on the proper use of antibiotics in this population