The Hidden Battle Against Antibiotic Resistance in Andaman and Nicobar

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are facing a serious health issue. Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, is a big problem. It happens when bacteria become immune to the drugs meant to kill them. This is mostly due to people using too many antibiotics in the wrong way. One big factor is self-medication. People often take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. This is a major reason why resistant bacteria strains are popping up. A recent study looked into how often people in a rural part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands use antibiotics on their own. It also checked out why they do it and what factors play a role. The study involved 437 people from the community. They were asked about their habits, reasons, and sources of information for using antibiotics. The results showed that 64. 3% of people self-medicate with antibiotics. The most common sources for figuring out the right dose were pharmacists, hospital staff, and personal experience. A large number of people, 65. 4%, changed the dose during treatment. They did this because their symptoms improved or didn't improve at all. The study also found links between self-medication and age, gender, religion, and socio-economic status. This means that certain groups are more likely to self-medicate. This is a worrying trend, as it can lead to more antibiotic resistance. So, what can be done? First, people need to be better informed about the dangers of self-medication. Stricter rules on selling antibiotics could also help. Doctors need to prescribe antibiotics more carefully. This is a complex issue, but it's crucial to tackle it head-on. The health of the community depends on it. The battle against AMR is far from over. But with the right steps, it can be won. It's time to act and protect the future of healthcare in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.