Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and its related factors among the general public and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in China

The study analyzed the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that 10.25% of the general public and 12.69% of health professionals were affected. Factors such as perceived good health, moderate antibiotic knowledge, and easy access to health facilities were associated with SMA. Health professionals were more likely to use antibiotics without prescriptions and were more likely to be female. Promoting rational antibiotic use requires joint effort.