Knowledge and awareness regarding responsible antibiotic use among the general population of Shimoga district of Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. A major problem with the irrational use of antibiotics is the emergence of drug resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a current problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level of the general public of Shimoga district of Karnataka, regarding responsible antibiotic use and to correlate the findings with the sociodemographic details. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Data were collected from 800 adults by door-step interview using a questionnaire after obtaining consent. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and were analyzed using Epi Info software. Results: Hardly 8% of the respondents could recall the name of the antibiotic and most were oblivious about the commonly used classes of drugs. Almost 60% believed that antibiotic therapy could be stopped as and when the symptoms were relieved or they felt alright. We tested the respondents’ knowledge of antibiotics and found that it was not favorable. Conclusions: We observed a significant gap in respondents’ knowledge and awareness of the responsible use of antibiotics. There is an urgent need for enlightening people on the dangers of the irrational use of antibiotics and training them on responsible ways of using antibiotics.