The public's irrational use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections: a cross-sectional study based on the health belief model.

Summary: Many people take antibiotics for colds and coughs when they shouldn't. A study of 815 people looked at why this happens. It turns out that just knowing the facts isn't enough to stop the problem. People often use antibiotics the wrong way because they are afraid of getting sicker, think the drugs are a quick fix, and see their friends and family using them. It is also too easy to buy these drugs without a doctor's note. To fix this, we need stricter rules on selling antibiotics and better advice from doctors, not just more facts and education.