Table 2.

Use of Antibiotics Without a Prescription

CharacteristicCharleston 2004 (n=219) No. (%)Charleston 2008 (n=229) No. (%)Greenville 2008 (n=243) No. (%)
a χ2 Analysis, Charleston 2004 significantly different from Charleston 2008.
b χ2 Analysis, Greenville 2008 significantly different from Charleston 2008.
Lifetime use of antibiotics obtained without a prescription
    Bought antibiotics without a prescription outside the United States99 (45.2)95 (41.5)116 (47.7)
    Imported antibiotics bought outside the United States into the United States36 (16.4)28 (12.2)39 (16.0)
    Bought antibiotics without a prescription inside the United States42 (19.2)a70 (30.6)48 (19.7)b
    Imported antibiotics or bought antibiotics without a prescription in United States67 (30.6)88 (38.4)72 (29.6)b
Current attitudes or use of antibiotics without a prescription
    Believe that antibiotics should be available without a prescription67 (30.6)a110 (48.0)87 (35.8)b
    Bought antibiotics 1 or more times in the United States without a prescription in past 12 months31 (14.2)43 (18.8)30 (12.4)
    Likelihood very likely or likely of importing antibiotics obtained without a prescription52 (23.7)62 (27.1)70 (28.8)