Cross-sectional observation of self-medication pattern among readymade garment workers in southern Bangladesh and their knowledge and practice towards antibiotic self-medication

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication practices and explore knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use among readymade garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh.

This large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among garment workers in three different garment factories in Chattogram, Bangladesh.

Data were collected from 1743 participants, using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed to examine sociodemographic factors, medication patterns, and antibiotic knowledge and practices among the workers.

A significant proportion of the participants (42.4%) only had a primary level of education and majority (80.3%) were not engaged in lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing betel leaves (80.3%). Cough, cold, and fever were the most reported health complications (66.0%). Most of the participants obtained their medications from pharmacies (66.4%). Self-medication was reported by 93.4% of them, with 55.9% practiced it thinking the disease was not severe. Poor knowledge and practice levels about antibiotics were observed. Gender and educational background influenced the participants' knowledge, while the presence of common diseases affected the practice score.

The study demonstrated a high prevalence of self-medication practices among garment workers in Bangladesh, particularly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The findings suggest developing interventions to improve knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use and promote responsible self-medication practices among garment workers to mitigate potential risks and adverse effects.