Antibiotic Resistance - Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Based Survey Amongst Dental Health Care Providers In An Institution​

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is definitely one of the most dreaded outcomes of injudicious use of antibiotics in a developing country like India. The prevalence of Over the counter (OTC) availability of antibiotics has also contributed to this bane and burden of antibiotic resistance in our country. Aim: The aim of this survey based study was to examine the knowledge on antibiotic usage, resistance, attitudes, perceptions and practices among dental health care providers using an online survey. Methods and Methodology: An Eighteen point online close ended questionnaire based survey was conducted amongst 100 randomly selected postgraduate stu- dents in various dental specialities from our institution, whereby their Knowledge, attitude and Practice regard- ing antibiotic resistance and usage was assessed. The questionnaire was designed to include demographic information of the participants along with questions based on frequency of antibiotic usage, resistance and interest of participants to attend educational seminars as a part of continuing education. Results: 76.47% participants agreed that antibiotic resis- tance is a major public health burden in India and glob- ally. Participants who had never attended seminars on antibiotic resistance were 82.35% and 89.41% were willing to attend seminars. Conclusions: Our survey showed few mis-prescriptions of antibiotics in cases of resistance to penicillin groups of drugs and use of broad versus narrow spectrum antibiotics. However, the overall awareness and prescription protocols were appropriate, thereby concluding that post graduates had a good knowledge of antibiotics, their use and risks involved.