| Sub-theme 1: Frequency of antibiotic use behavior (Nearly all participants) |
“I generally do use antibiotics frequently when I get sick when I feel that I have flu or am starting a cough or am developing any symptoms or fever and such diseases” (Participant 9) |
| Sub-theme 2: Method of selecting antibiotics with five participants |
“Usually when I self-medicate I took the one that I took from the last infection. If it has the same symptoms … with the same antibiotic I took. If it is the first time I have these symptoms I usually go to a doctor and find what is wrong with me exactly because it is the first time that I have a sequence of symptoms and all that” (Participant 1) |
| Sub-theme 3: Attitude of brand Preference |
“For the branded antibiotic, because that is the one I always use. That is the one I’m generally prescribed” (participant 4) |
| Sub-theme 4: Self-medicated with other drugs |
“Yes, usually I start off with Panadol and see. So, like I said, if I have a sore throat or a fever sometimes I do start with Panadol and then I see if I feel better the next day. If I don’t then I go straight to the antibiotic” |
| Sub-theme 4: Differences between participant’s experience and other students. |
“I have had conversations with friends where they assume the antibiotic is the best way to go if they have a fever or a sore throat or anything like that”(Participant 14). |
| Sub-theme 5: Perception of pharmacists’ advice |
“He [pharmacist] advises me to complete the course, to take it before the breakfast or after the breakfast, twice or once a day. Only one week, such things” (participant 12). |
