The Determinants of Inappropriate Use of Antibiotics among Working Age Population in Western Cambodia

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are among the most commonly sold drugs in the developing countries. The inappropriate use of antibiotics could result not only resistant bacterial strains but also adverse reactions and economic burden. This study aimed to describe the antibiotics use characteristics and identify factors associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics among working age population in western Cambodia. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study. A sample of 344 subjects aged 18-59 years old was selected at random from 10 communes of three provinces in Western Cambodia. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect the data. The dependent variable was inappropriate use of antibiotics. The independent variable included average monthly family income, habitual use of medicine. A logistic regression was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: 23.84% of the sample used antibiotic during the past 3 months, of which 14.83% were inappropriate use. The multivariate analy- sis indicated factor associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics were: low family income (adj. OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.18 to 9.74; p=0.024) and habitual use of oral antibiotics when having a cold (adj. OR=6.44; 95% CI: 1.55 to 26.91; p=0.010). The protective factor was habit of using oral anti- biotics when having sorethroat (adj. OR=0.24; 95%CI: 0.08 to 0.78; p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Almost a quarter of the samples used antibiotics. Low income and inappropriate antibiotic administration in respiratory tract infection increase the risk of antibiotic misuse. Keywords: inappropriate use, antibiotics, income, habit, working age population

The Relationship between Exposure to Anti-Smoking Campaign, Knowledge, Family Support, and Smoking Habit, Among Male Workers in East Borneo, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Indonesia has the highest (46.16%) prevalence of smokers among the ASEAN countries. Some anti-smoking measures had been implemented. However, little was known for their effect. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking, and the relationship between exposure to anti-smoking campaign, knowledge, family support, and smoking habit, among male workers in East Borneo, Indonesia. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Samarinda, East Borneo, Indonesia. A sample of 311 male workers was selected at random from 10 subdistrics in Samarinda. The dependent variable was smoking behavior. The independent variable included exposure the anti-smoking campaign, knowledge about the damaging effect of tobacco smoking, and family support. A structured questionnare was developed to collect the data. A logistic regresion was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The prevalence of smokers was 45.6% (95%CI=40.09 to 51.23). Un-exposure to anti-smoking campaign (OR=2.24, 95%CI= 1.10 to 4.68; p=0.032), lacking in knowledge of the health damaging effect of tobacco smoking such as mouth and throat cancers (OR=2.43; 95%CI=1.16 to 5.06; p=0.018), and weak family support (OR= 2.07; 95%CI=1.09 to 4.50; p=0.006), were all associated with an increased probability of smoking. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the Indonesian male workers living in Samarinda were smokers. Un-exposure to anti-smoking campaign, lacking in knowledge of the health damaging effect of tobacco smoking such as mouth and throat cancers, and weak family support, were all associated with an increased probability of smoking. The government should increase the frequency of anti-smoking campaign and improve its access. Keywords: anti-smoking campaign, smoking behavior, male worker

Factors Associated with Chemical Pesticide use among Farmers in Eastern Part of Cambodia

BACKGROUND: Chemical pesticides are known to have adverse impact on human health. However, little is known about the magnitude and factors influencing chemical pesticide use in Cambodia. The study aimed to describe and determine factors influencing chemical pesticide use among farmers in the Eastern part of Cambodia. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 287 farmers were selected by multistage random sampling proportional to size of the population from 8 communes in the Eastern part of Cambodia. The questionnaire was developed to measure variables under study. A multiple logistic regression was applied to estimate the factors influencing chemical pesticide use. RESULTS: 53.66% of the sample was female. Mean age= 41.01, and SD= 10.8 years old. The average monthly income was 460,000 Riel (112 US$). The illiteracy rate was 15.68%. All of these farmers planted rice, cassava and caisim. 72.13% of all farmers used chemical pesticide. 68.13% of 182 rice farmers used 2,4-D. 92.48% of 133 cassava farmers used glyphosate, and 54.89% used 2,4-D. 71.43% of 35 caisim farmers used fipronil, and 68.57% used malathion. Factors significantly associated with chemical pesticide use were illiteracy (OR= 2.60; 95% CI= 1.02 to 6.62; p= 0.045) and increase in farm size per m2 (OR= 2.12; 95% CI= 1.59 to 2.84; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Chemical pesticide use was very high in Cambodia. Some used prohibited chemical. Illiteracy and farm size affect chemical pesticide use among farmers in Cambodia. Keywords: chemical pesticide use, Cambodia, farme