Table 1 Some characteristics of stored antimicrobials at home in Mecha demographic surveillance and field research center, Ethiopia, March to May 2020 (N = 183)a
Characteristics | Frequency (Percentage) |
|---|---|
Stored antimicrobials at home | 183(21.2) |
All medications stored at home | 275(31.8) |
Type of stored antimicrobials at home: | Â |
 Amoxicillin | 63(30.3) |
 Cotrimoxazole | 28(13.5) |
 Metronidazole | 25(12.0) |
 Ampicillin | 20(9.6) |
 Ciprofloxacin | 14(6.7) |
 Cloxacillin | 13(6.3) |
 Chloramphenicol | 13(6.3) |
 Doxycycline | 13(6.3) |
 Tetracycline | 6(2.9) |
 Tinidazole | 4(1.9) |
 Erythromycin | 4(1.9) |
 Othersb | 4(2.4) |
Triggers of storage of antimicrobials at home: | Â |
 Left from discontinuing on symptom improvement | 100 (48.1) |
 Deliberately reserved | 48 (23.1) |
 Left from missed doses | 47 (22.6) |
 Left from discontinuing on health professional decision | 7 (3.3) |
 Others including side effects | 6 (2.9) |
The way the antimicrobials were obtained: | Â |
 Prescribed by prescribers | 144 (69.2) |
 Purchased directly from pharmacy | 61 (29.3) |
 Others (borrow) | 3 (1.5) |
Type of formulation of stored antimicrobials: | Â |
 Capsule | 101 (48.6) |
 Tablet | 81 (38.9) |
 Bottle | 23 (11.1) |
 Others (Drop/Ointment/Paste) | 3 (1.4) |
Expiration date of stored antimicrobials at home at the time of data collection: | Â |
 Not expired | 135 (64.9) |
 Expired | 60 (28.8) |
 Not visible | 13 (6.3) |
Site of placement of stored antimicrobials at home: | Â |
 Elsewhere on shelf/table | 118 (64.5) |
 In Box/Bag | 47 (25.7) |
 Others (Plastic bag, purse, cartoon) | 18 (9.8) |
What to do with stored antimicrobial (Desire): | Â |
 Dispose | 77 (42.1) |
 Preserve for future use | 69 (37.7) |
 Don’t know what to do | 37 (20.2) |