How to Curb Over-The-Counter Sales of Antibiotics? Evidence from a Field Experiment in Ethiopia

Maria Levati, Ivan Soraperra and Saba Yifredew ()
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Saba Yifredew: Addis Ababa University

No 10/2023, Working Papers from University of Verona, Department of Economics

Abstract: In a randomized controlled trial among Addis Ababa's community pharmacies, we implement informational interventions to curb over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic sales, which, especially in developing countries, contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our results show that one-time letters to pharmacists and a poster placed within the pharmacy premises significantly reduce OTC antibiotic sales in the short-run, with the poster's effect persisting five months later. We observe no significant impact on antibiotic prices. These findings highlight the potential of targeted informational interventions to tackle OTC antibiotic dispensing and mitigate the growing AMR threat.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; OTC antibiotics; Field experiment; Community pharmacies; Simulated patients (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C21 C93 I12 I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp, nep-hea and nep-nud
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