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Self-medication and ILI etiologies among individuals presenting at pharmacies with influenza-like illness: Guatemala City, 2018 influenza season.
- Source :
-
BMC public health [BMC Public Health] 2022 Aug 13; Vol. 22 (1), pp. 1541. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Aug 13. - Publication Year :
- 2022
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Abstract
- Objectives: We aimed to characterize the proportion of clients presenting to community pharmacies with influenza-like illness (ILI) and the severity of their illness; the proportion with detectable influenza A, influenza B, and other pathogens (i.e., parainfluenza I, II, and III, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus); and to describe their self-medication practices.<br />Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six pharmacies in Guatemala City. Study personnel collected nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs from participants who met the ILI case definition and who were self-medicating for the current episode. Participants were tested for influenza A and B and other pathogens using real-time RT-PCR. Participants' ILI-associated self-medication practices were documented using a questionnaire.<br />Results: Of all patients entering the pharmacy during peak hours who responded to a screening survey (n = 18,016) 6% (n = 1029) self-reported ILI symptoms, of which 45% (n = 470/1029) met the study case definition of ILI. Thirty-one percent (148/470) met inclusion criteria, of which 87% (130/148) accepted participation and were enrolled in the study. Among 130 participants, nearly half tested positive for viral infection (n = 55, 42.3%) and belonged to groups at low risk for complications from influenza. The prevalence of influenza A was 29% (n = 35). Thirteen percent of the study population (n = 17) tested positive for a respiratory virus other than influenza. Sixty-four percent of participants (n = 83) reported interest in receiving influenza vaccination if it were to become available in the pharmacy. Medications purchased included symptom-relieving multi-ingredient cold medications (n = 43/100, 43%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 23, 23%), and antibiotics (n = 16, 16%). Antibiotic use was essentially equal among antibiotic users regardless of viral status. The broad-spectrum antibiotics ceftriaxone and azithromycin were the most common antibiotics purchased.<br />Conclusions: During a typical influenza season, a relatively low proportion of all pharmacy visitors were experiencing influenza symptoms. A high proportion of clients presenting to pharmacies with ILI tested positive for a respiratory virus. Programs that guide appropriate use of antibiotics in this population are needed and become increasingly important during pandemics caused by respiratory viral pathogens.<br /> (© 2022. The Author(s).)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1471-2458
- Volume :
- 22
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- BMC public health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 35962425
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13962-8