ABSTRACT
Antibiotic abuse leads to the development of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. The misuse of antibiotics has been identified by the World Health Organization and the European Union as one of the most serious threats to public health due to its association with increased disease duration, mortality rate and health care costs. Thus, the over-registration and overuse of antibiotics is considered a matter of utmost importance in the global community. The factors found to affect the correct antibiotic usage were age, gender and education level. People older than 60 years of age were found more likely to misuse antibiotics compared to younger people. Most antibiotics were found to be used by women and people with a lower level of education. According to a European study, the average antibiotic consumption was 21.8 doses / day per 1000 inhabitants in the community, while in Greece it was found to be 36.3 doses / day. 26.7% of Greeks are supplied with non-prescription antibiotics, while 56% of those are supplied by pharmacies and 30% self-medicate. Distribution of antibiotics occurs mainly through medical prescription, however 69% of doctors questioned declared to being pressured to prescribe antibiotics without need. At the same time, 65% of pharmacists admitted to giving antibiotics without a prescription, while 46% of those state that they received intense pressure by patients. Community Nurses provide a reliable source of information on this topic, while also excel at informing and educating the masses on the proper use of antibiotics. Intervention using awareness campaigns and introductory programs for the adoption of proper practices regarding antibiotics, organized by Primary Health Care Nurses, should be aimed at health professionals and the general population, thus minimizing the current situation.
Key Words: antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, health education programmes, Nursing, primary health care
