1306. Antimicrobial Resistance Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Among Medical Students in Southern India

Abstract

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health problem in India. The World Health Organization recognizes that the education of medical students on antimicrobial stewardship plays a critical role in the efforts to combat AMR, but data related to knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding AMR is limited in India.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in July-August 2017. Medical students at K.S. Hegde Medical Academy in Mangalore, India were surveyed with an anonymous questionnaire using a convenience sampling method involving second year, third year, fourth year, and intern students (n = 347). Data about demographics, sources of information, and antimicrobial training were collected. In addition, AMR knowledge and attitude scores were calculated. A Mann–Whitney U test was used to determine factors that were associated with significant differences in knowledge scores and attitude scores. The primary outcome measure of this study was to determine positive predictors of increased confidence in prescribing antimicrobials in the future using multivariate analysis.ResultsA total of 347 surveys were analyzed (response rate of 98.9%). The mean total knowledge score was 11.47 out to 31 with a standard deviation (SD) of 3.39, and the mean attitude score was 5.99 out of 16 (SD = 4.207). While 13.2% of students were “very familiar” or “familiar” with the term “Antimicrobial Stewardship,” and 88.2% of students said they would like more antimicrobial education in medical school. On multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 2.51, 95% CI (1.51, 4.18)), clinical vignette antimicrobial knowledge scores (OR 1.26, 95% CI (1.05, 1.51)), positive attitude scores (OR 0.94, 95% CI (0.88, 0.995)), awareness of Infection Control Policy (OR 1.87, 95% CI (1.09, 3.22)), and > 3 years of antimicrobial prescribing clinical training (OR 2.48, 95% CI (1.29, 4.75)) were predictors of confidence in antimicrobial prescribing.ConclusionThis study identifies several possible interventions for improving confidence such as increased clinical knowledge through clinical experience, increased awareness of infection control policies and antimicrobial guidelines, and empowering students to be antimicrobial stewards to combat AMR.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.