IJCM_238A: Level of awareness regarding antimicrobial resistance among residents in a hilly area of Uttarakhand: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to public health, it demands a comprehensive understanding and awareness among people. With overuse and misuse of antibiotics, there is increasing need to assess knowledge levels within community to formulate effective interventions. This study aims to detect this knowledge gap and contribute to the efforts in combating AMR. Objectives: 1. To assess the level of awareness among residents of study area regarding antibiotics, their appropriate use and concept of AMR. 2. To pinpoint specific areas of misunderstanding or misinformation regarding AMR. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among community members in hilly region of Uttarakhand in October and November 2023. Simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the respondents by home visits. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Mean age of respondents is 33.35 ±13.8 in years, 44.7% of the respondents believed that sometimes to save time, they can purchase antibiotics from pharmacist without asking a doctor. 37.8% respondents believe that they can share antibiotics with friends or relatives for similar symptoms. There is a clear pattern in terms of age, respondents between 18-34 years of age are more aware regarding AMR as compared to higher age groups. Conclusion: More than half of the respondents are unaware regarding antimicrobial resistance and the specific areas of misunderstanding among respondents are that length of antibiotic course and poor sanitation and hygiene determines development of AMR.