Prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics in the municipality of Nikšić, Montenegro

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Self-medication (SM) and self-initiated treatment of others (STO) with antibiotics contribute to antimicrobial resistance and represent a significant public health concern. This study aimed to assess their prevalence and association with socio-demographic factors within the primary healthcare setting of Nikšić, Montenegro.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 adults who visited a general practitioner or family medicine specialist at the Nikšić Primary Healthcare Center between March 1 and May 31, 2024. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 25. Associations were assessed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with Spearman’s correlation used to assess relationship strength. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore factors associated with SM and STO.

Results The prevalence of SM was 43%, while 16.6% of respondents reported STO. A significant positive association was found between these practices (p < 0.001). SM was more common among individuals aged 35–49, employed, and with higher education, while STO was more frequent among those living in family or community settings. In univariate analysis, age 50–64, higher education, and employment were associated with SM, while being retired was associated with STO; however, no variables remained significant in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion SM and STO are common and significantly associated behaviors in the studied population in Nikšić and may represent important public health challenges, including the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, adverse health outcomes, and unnecessary costs. The absence of independent socio-demographic factors associated with these behaviors indicates a complex, multifactorial underlying structure, warranting further investigation.

Keywords: antibiotics; self-medication; socio-demographic factors; Montenegro