An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Professionals on Factors Related to Antimicrobial Resistance in Three (3) Selected University Teaching Hospital Complexes in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Analytic Study

Abstract

Although the growing increase of AMR is a major problem everywhere, developing nations like Sierra Leone are particularly at higher risk because of their limited resources to combat the problem. Medical Professionals are recognized as important determinants of antimicrobial abuse. To evaluate factors related to antimicrobial resistance patterns, a cross-sectional study was undertaken among 376 Medical Professionals. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory Personnel and community health officer from three Sierra Leone University Teaching Hospital Complexes in Sierra Leone, formed the study population. KAP dimensions were assessed, and differences between groups were investigated, using descriptive statistics tests. The study highlighted the socio-demographic factors of health professionals (age, gender, profession, qualification, and years of experience) that were associated with antibiotic resistance training (p < 0.05). In the area of attitude towards antibiotics, 54% (203) and 72.9% (274) of study participants recommended that pharmacy staff be at their workstations to deliver services and dispense antibiotics prescribed by authorized prescribers as recommended by the Ministry of Health. Out of the total survey participants, 54.5% suggested antibiotics for laboratory-confirmed diseases. To prevent antibiotic resistance, 72.9% of survey participants advised patients to finish antibiotics. This study revealed the need for pharmacy staff to always be available to provide services and dispense antibiotics. Healthcare professionals must be monitored to combat AMR. More research is needed to understand and improve antibiotic stewardship practices in Sierra Leone. Keywords: Antibiotic, Attitude, Knowledge, Practice, Resistance.