Table 4.
Reasons Individuals in the United States Get Antibiotics Without a Prescription
| Reason | Charleston 2004 (n=42) No. (%) | Charleston 2008 (n=70) No. (%) | Greenville 2008 (n=48) No. (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why get antibiotics without a prescription while inside the United States?a | |||
| To avoid a doctor visit | 39 (92.9) | 55 (78.6) | 31 (64.6) |
| Language barrier | 3 (7.1) | 5 (7.1) | 3 (6.3) |
| To avoid a more serious infection | 0 | 4 (5.7) | 7 (14.6) |
| Other reasons | 0 | 6 (8.6) | 7 (14.6) |
| Where do you get antibiotics? | |||
| From family | 11 (26.2) | 9 (12.9) | 6 (12.5) |
| From friends | 2 (4.8) | 8 (11.4) | 6 (12.5 |
| Stores/other sellers | 29 (69.1) | 53 (75.7) | 36 (75.0) |
| What illness do you treat with these antibiotics?a | |||
| Sore throat | 8 (19.1) | 26 (37.1) | 19 (39.6) |
| Cough | 7 (16.7) | 5 (7.1) | 1 (2.1) |
| Diarrhea | 1 (2.4) | 2 (2.9) | 0 |
| Cold | 1 (2.4) | 7 (10.0) | 3 (6.2) |
| Gripe | 15 (35.7) | 10 (14.3) | 8 (16.7) |
| Ear infection | 0 | 8 (11.4) | 1 (2.1) |
| Urinary tract infection | 0 | 0 | 3 (6.2) |
| Dental | 0 | 5 (7.1) | 2 (4.2) |
| Other | 10 (23.8) | 7 (10.0) | 11 (22.9) |
Note: Among those who acquired them without a prescription in the United States.
a χ2 Analysis, Charleston 2004 significantly different from Charleston 2008.