Recent research in Indonesia has found a close link between antibiotic self-medication and resistance to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea which is often known as gonorrhea. Raising the same issue, Nurhayati, presented her dissertation in the open session for the FPH UI Epidemiology doctoral promotion with the title “Antibiotic Self-Medication Practices and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Resistance Using Molecular Detection in Key Populations in Indonesia” on January 12, 2024, in the FPH UI Doctoral Promotion Room.
This research uses molecular detection methods and real-time PCR, to explore resistance patterns and antibiotic self-medication behavior, especially among key populations.
According to WHO, in 2020 there were an estimated 82.4 million cases of gonorrhea worldwide in adults aged 15-49 years, with the highest prevalence rates in Africa and the West Pacific. In Indonesia, the prevalence of gonorrhea in 2015 based on the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Survey (STBP) reached 21.2% among female sex workers, 12.7% among men who have sex with men, and 12.2% among transgender women.
Self-medication itself is the practice of using antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, which is quite common in Indonesia. Riskesdas data in 2013 shows that 86% of households in Indonesia store antibiotics for reuse. This latest research reveals that this practice is also common among key populations experiencing symptoms of sexually transmitted infections.
The study results show an alarming rate of gonorrhea resistance. Samples from IBBS showed 94% resistance to ciprofloxacin and 84% to penicillin. Meanwhile, data from sexual health clinics shows 90% resistance to ciprofloxacin, 71% to penicillin, and 8% to cephalosporins. Further analysis found that self-medication practices, especially with penicillin, increased the risk of gonorrhea resistance, influenced by the respondent’s income.
“Self-medication is not just a personal problem but has become a public health issue that requires a comprehensive and sensitive response,” said Nurhayati. “We need to work together to provide better and more inclusive resources, education and health services, especially for key populations,” added Nurhayati.
This research recommends improving health education, stricter regulation of antibiotic sales, and the development of a health surveillance system. It is also important to provide inclusive and welcoming health services to key populations, so that they can access the care they need without fear or discrimination.
This study emphasizes the importance of interventions aimed at reducing antibiotic self-medication and regular monitoring of gonorrhea resistance as part of a strategy to address this public health challenge.
Based on the results of her dissertation, Nurhayati was successfully declared a Doctor in the field of Epidemiology. Nurhayati is the first PhD graduate in Epidemiology in 2024, the 105th PhD graduate in Epidemiology and the 393rd PhD graduate at FPH UI.
This doctoral promotion open session was chaired by Prof. Drg. Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono, M.P.H., M.Sc., Sc.D., as Chair of the Session, with Promoter Prof. Dr. Dr. Sudarto Ronoatmodjo, S.K.M., M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., and Prof. Dr. Agus Syahrurachman, Ph.D., SpMK., as Co-Promoter. The testing team consists of Dr. Dr. Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono, M.Sc.; Prof. Dr. Pande Putu Januraga, M.Kes., Dr.PH.; Dr. Dr. Zen Hafy, M. Biomed.; Dr. Soewarta Kosen, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. PH.; Dr. Dr. Hariadi Wibisono, M.P.H.; and Prof. Dr. Hadi Pratomo, M.P.H., Dr.PH.