A national online survey of Filipinos' knowledge, attitude, and awareness of antibiotic use and resistance: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is one of the 21st century's most challenging clinical and public health issues. However, this health issue remains underreported in the Philippines. This study examined Filipinos' knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding antibiotic use and resistance and the associated predictive variables of antibiotic resistance. A cross-sectional design and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were used in this study. Convenience sampling of 3767 participants completed the Eurobarometer survey on antibiotic resistance from October 2021 to February 2022. χ2 and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Most participants were familiar with the popular types of available antibiotics. Males and healthcare workers had a higher percentage of correct responses on antibiotic resistance knowledge. Participants had moderate to high knowledge levels of antibiotic resistance. Age, educational attainment, profession, antibiotic use in the previous year, and household members taking antibiotics were significant predictors of the level of knowledge of antibiotic resistance. There was a significant difference in participants' sex, age, and educational attainment in their attitudes toward acquisition, hygienic practices, and the role of health professionals in antibiotic resistance. Government agencies and policymakers should consider the identified predictors when establishing policies on antibiotic resistance. This will ensure that antibiotic use is safe and effective.