Table 3

Reported use of prescribed antimicrobials for common infections following help-seeking from a medical doctor

Antimicrobial useARTIs* (n=1319)GTIs† (n=118)UTIs†  (n=56)
n%n%n%
(1) Respondents with clear memory of receiving prescribed oral antimicrobials (Q2.7, Q2.25 and Q2.41)
 Yes63872.73449.33274.4
 No24027.33350.71125.6
 Not clear409NA43NA12NA
 Not stated32NA8NA1NA
(2) Respondents with clear memory of receiving an intravenous antimicrobial (Q2.10, Q2.27 and Q2.43)
 Yes70554.74842.51222.6
 No58445.36557.54177.4
 Not clear17NA3NA3NA
 Not stated13NA2NA0NA
(3) Respondents with clear memory of receiving oral/intravenous antimicrobials (Q2.7, Q2.10, Q2.25 Q2.27, Q2.41 and Q2.43)
 Yes105194.56781.73870.4
 No615.51518.31629.6
 Not clear197NA32NA1NA
 Not stated10NA4NA1NA
(4) Prescribed oral/intravenous antimicrobials by days after onset of symptoms when the first professional service seeking took place‡ (Q2.6, Q2.7, Q2.10, Q2.24, Q2.25 Q2.27, Q2.40, Q2.41 and Q2.43)
 Day 117891.82080.0125.0
 Day 238393.92779.41477.8
 Day 328696.0888.9866.7
 Day 4+18995.91285.71376.5
 Not stated15NA0NA2NA
  • *Most recent episode within the past 12 months.

  • †Episode within the past 3 months.

  • ‡Includes only those who stated ‘yes’ to clearly remembering receiving oral or intravenous antimicrobials or both; oral/intravenous antimicrobials mean oral or intravenous antimicrobials or both.

  • ARTI, acute respiratory tract infection; GTI, gastrointestinal tract infection; NA, not applicable; Q plus a number, the reference number of question used in the questionnaire; UTI, urinary tract infection.