Abstract
Although increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a substantial threat worldwide, low- and middle-income countries, including Nepal, are especially vulnerable. It is also known that healthcare providers (HCPs) are the major determinants of antimicrobial misuse. A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted among 160 HCPs to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Nepali HCPs regarding AMR and its use. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were performed to evaluate KAP dimensions and investigate subgroup differences. HCPs scored higher on theoretical than practical knowledge. Regarding practical knowledge, men scored higher than women (p < 0.01), and physicians scored higher than nurses (p < 0.001). Participants aged < 25 years scored lower on practical knowledge than older participants (p < 0.001), while those with <3 years work experience scored lower than those with >6 years (p < 0.05). Participants from the medical department scored higher on practical knowledge than those from the surgical department (p < 0.01). AMR control was more accepted in the medical than in the surgical department (p < 0.001). Regarding practices, women and nurses scored higher than men (p < 0.001) and physicians (p < 0.01), respectively. An educational intervention that is tailored to the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of HCPs is necessary to reduce the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge and improve their attitudes and practices.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, affecting both countries with limited resources and developed countries
The detailed results regarding the answers to eachtoquestion are shown antibiotics(Table
The present study showed a knowledge deficit in the use of combined antibiotics, practical AMR terms, and current AMR rates among healthcare providers (HCPs) in Nepal
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, affecting both countries with limited resources and developed countries. Since an article was first published in 1996 urging the strengthening of AMR control through antimicrobial stewardship in health systems [1], continuous efforts have been made [1,2]. In 2019, AMR was proposed for the first time as a specific indicator of Good Health and Wellbeing, which is Goal 3 of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals [3]. Lowmiddle-income countries (LMICs) with poor infection control and prevention systems are more vulnerable to the increasing threat posed by AMR [4]. The World Bank Report predicted that increasing AMR is estimated to drive an additional 28 million people to extreme poverty by 2050, mainly in LMICs [5].
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