One of the major problems in health care all over the world is arbitrary drug use. Self-treatment or self-medication of antibiotic and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may lead to severe health problems, in particular it may cause: incorrect self-diagnosis, severe drug adverse reactions, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and many more. Hence, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified the inappropriate use of these medications may lead to major risk factor such AMR. The present study aims to access the practice on the use of antibiotic and OTC drugs among selected residents in Cabaluay, Zamboanga City, detect sociodemographic factors associated with their practices, and evaluate the level of awareness towards antibiotic and OTC drug use. Participants (N=52) completed a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and different statistical treatments were performed. Only 1.9% of the different antibiotic drugs were the most commonly purchased. On the other hand, several drugs were listed as the most commonly purchased OTC drugs in the community which makes up 78.8% of the total purchased. There was also no significant difference in the level of awareness on the use of antibiotic and OTC drugs when their sex, age and educational attainment were considered. However, in terms of family income it was noted that there was a significant difference in the level of awareness on the use of antibiotic and OTC drugs among the selected residents. Hence, the present study shed light on the importance of the proper use of antibiotic and OTC drugs and drug management as a whole.
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