Effect of health education on antibiotic use in two health centers in Aqaba

The purpose for conducting this study stems from observations indicating high prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions as well as unnecessary individual use by the public. Antibiotic misuse affects both the course of the disease and health care cost. A pilot test was conducted to investigate the reasons behind antibiotic misuse resulted in identifying several concerns. One of the major reasons detected by the pilot was lack of public awareness regarding antibiotic use, side effects and dangers related to misuse. The overall objective of the study was to improve the rational use of antibiotics through health education of patients and training of local physicians in Aqaba Governorate. The specific objectives were reducing the proportion of prescriptions containing antibiotics, increasing public knowledge of antibiotics and their side effects and reducing misuse of antibiotics. (Author abstract)