Pilot study to evaluate patients understanding of key aspects of antimicrobial use in a rural province in South Africa including understanding of key terms: findings and implications

A pilot study in South Africa aimed to understand the self-purchasing of antibiotics by patients from independent and chain pharmacies. The study used a patient questionnaire translated into three native languages (Sepedi, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga) and interviewed 15 patients. Results showed that 11 of 15 patients received antibiotics, including 8 without a prescription. Only independent pharmacies (8/10) dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions. Interviews revealed concerns about antibiotic knowledge and AMR, and some terms posed challenges for patients. The study suggests continued health literacy education for pharmacists and patients, especially with native language communication.