Knowledge Of Antibiotic Use Research Articles

Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use in Paediatric Dentistry: A Cross-sectional Survey

Introduction: Odontogenic infections in children are commonly addressed through prescriptions that frequently include antibiotics for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. Mothers, being the primary caregivers, play a vital role in ensuring their children receive antibiotics as prescribed. Insufficient awareness among mothers regarding the prudent utilisation of antibiotics can contribute to misuse and the development of antibiotic resistance. Aim: To explore the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of mothers regarding the use of antibiotics in children for the management of odontogenic infections in the city of Kolkata, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multi-lingual, close-ended, knowledgeattitudes-practices-based offline questionnaire with 23 questions. The survey included 203 mothers with children between six months and 13 years old, attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Panihati, between October 2022 and January 2023, in the city of Kolkata, India. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: A majority of mothers, 104 (51.2%) belonged to group ≤35 in the present study. A total of 85.7% of the mothers had knowledge that antibiotics are used against bacterial infections leading to toothache or facial swelling. Approximately 44.9% of the mothers demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding the global issue of antibiotic resistance, while 89.6% of mothers believed that antibiotics should be continued until the full course of prescribed antibiotics is completed. A total of 63.1% of mothers have administered antibiotics prescribed by pharmacists or medical shopkeepers to their children. The study revealed a significant association between the educational level of mothers and their awareness regarding the issue of antibiotic resistance, as well as between the parents’ monthly income and their attitude towards the use of expensive antibiotics (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study highlights that in the city of Kolkata, the education level of mothers significantly affects their knowledge of antibiotic use in paediatric dentistry.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding antibiotics use among Cypriot university students: a multi-disciplinary survey

BackgroundThe present study aims to investigate the knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics among students studying medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy at the Near East University in Northern Cyprus. The influence of personality characteristics on antibiotic use were also evaluated, in order to identify predictors of antibiotic misuse.MethodsStudents were enrolled in the study during the 2020–2021 academic year. Study participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire that measured their knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) towards antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. The KAP of students from the three faculties were compared using Kruskall-Wallis H statistics, Mann-Whitney U statistics, and Spearman’s rho. The influence of personality traits on the propensity to use antibiotics without a prescription, as well as their attitudes and knowledge of antibiotic use and misuse, were also investigated.ResultsIn total, 314 students completed the survey, 52% of which were female. The mean age of the students was 20.5 years. The results showed that among the different disciplines, medical students were significantly more knowledgeable about pharmacological agents, compared to dentistry and pharmacy students, while pharmacy students were more knowledgeable about the effectiveness of antibiotics against different pathogenic microorganisms. All student groups were aware of how antibiotic resistance develops and their role as healthcare personnel in implementing measures against resistance. Appropriate antibiotic use among the student community correlated with study year, highlighting the importance of knowledge and education in the prevention of antibiotic resistance. Personality traits were found to be a contributing factor in students’ tendency to use antibiotics without a prescription.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the importance of conveying knowledge about antimicrobials in the education programmes of future dentists, pharmacists and physicians.

Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major concerns for global health. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is speeding up the process of AMR. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the population of the western region of Saudi Arabia towards antibiotic use and AMR. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire via social media platforms. It consisted of four parts: first, the participant's sociodemographic characteristics. Second, an assessment of the knowledge of antibiotic use and AMR. The third and fourth parts are to evaluate the attitude and practices towards antibiotic use and AMR. Results From atotal of 501 participants, 379 (75.6%) were females, and 354 (70.7%) of the participants had a college degree. Regarding the overall knowledge of antibiotics and AMR, 277 (55.29%) of the respondents had poor knowledge. In addition, 443 (88.42%) of the participants also reported having an inadequate attitude. Moreover, inadequate practices related to the use of antibiotics were also reported among 305 (60.89%) of the participants. Factors associated with the level of knowledge are gender, age, educational level, and occupational status. Regarding occupation, being in a medical job was associated with a better knowledge of antibiotics and AMR than other occupations. Conclusion Our study revealed poor overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices towardantibiotics and AMR among participants. Conducting educational health campaigns for the public that aim to promote awareness and enhance good practices, emphasizing the role of health care providers in health education for the public, and enforcing strict regulations to control the non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics will help to combat this issue. However, future research on this topic is required.

Evaluation of Healthcare Students' Knowledge on Antibiotic Use, Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs and Associated Factors in a Tertiary University in Ghana: Findings and Implications.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health problem globally, and Ghana is no exception. Good knowledge regarding antibiotic use, AMR, and the concept of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is critical among healthcare students to curb rising AMR rates in the future. Consequently, a need to ascertain this. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among fifth-year pharmacy, medical students and fourth (final)-year nursing and physician assistantship students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana to assess their knowledge on antibiotic use, AMR and AMS using a web-based self-administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Fishers' exact test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 160 healthcare students were interviewed, of which 56.3% (n = 90) were male and 58.8% (n = 94) were in their fourth year of study. Good knowledge of antibiotic use, AMR, and AMS was associated with the study course (p = 0.001) and the number of years of study (p < 0.001). Overall, there were differences in the level of knowledge of antibiotics among the different healthcare students and their years of study. Efforts must now be made to enhance the curricula to ensure an improved and uniform transfer of knowledge of antibiotics, AMR, and AMS among the different healthcare students to sustain the fight against AMR in Ghana given growing concerns.

A survey of knowledge, attitudes and use of antibiotics among Bulgarian population

Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally but is enhanced by human activities related to the use of antibiotics (for example, excessive use and misuse of antimicrobial agents). Our study aimed to gain insight into the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the use of antibiotics among the general Bulgarian population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during a 4-week period in April-May 2022. Our sample included 516 participants of whom 398 (77.1%) were females, mainly Bulgarians by ethnic group, with a university degree (master degree 58.9%; bachelor degree 17.2%) and living in big regional cities (91.5%). The main health reasons that respondents from all age groups share for taking antibiotics in the last year were bronchitis, sore throat, infections, including urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. Interestingly, about 14% of the respondents have treated the SARS-2-coronavirus infection with antibiotics. Our results highlighted existing attitudes toward antibiotic use in the surveyed sample. Overall, respondents from all age groups showed similarities in their attitudes toward treatment with antibiotics. People’s behavior and actions toward antibiotics play an important role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Our study provided some important insights concerning the knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in the Bulgarian population. In general, good knowledge of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance was evident among the surveyed sample.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice toward Antibiotic Use among Under and Post-Graduate Students at Yarmouk University in Jordan: A Descriptive Study

Objective: Irrational and overzealous use of antibiotics in addition to multidrug resistance has increased at an alarming limits around the world. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices toward antibiotic use among students at Yarmouk University
 Material and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey using a structured electronic version of valid questionnaire was distributed among participants. Google form was prepared based on available questionnaire in literature, revised by a group of academic pharmacist to validate the questionnaire. Test-retest was performed for a small group and cronbach alpha was calculated. The form was distributed randomly among under- and postgraduate students at Yarmouk University via their mails.
 Results: A total of 1154 individuals who completed questionnaires were analyzed. The knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance was quite good; 72.7% reported correct responses with a mean score of 16 out of 22. High rates of antibiotic use were found with 92% of respondents used antibiotics in the past three months. Inappropriate practice toward antibiotic was common; 48% used it for incorrect indication (e.g., common cold, fever, and pain), 60% used for improper duration and 20% don’t take the correct doses.
 Conclusions: Interventions on enhancing awareness and understanding of rational antimicrobial use are highly recommended by promoting expert-driven behavioural change, effective communication, education and training. Furthermore, law restriction on antibiotic dispensing should be introduced.

Level Of Parent Education To Knowledge About Antibiotic In Children Ages 0 – 12 Years Old In Tanjungmojo Village, Kangkung District, Kendal Regency

Prescribing antibiotics for infectious diseases that are quite high and less wise will increase the incidence of resistance. Research objectives to determine the influence of parental education level on the knowledge of antibiotic use in children aged 0-12 years in TanjungmojoVillage, Kangkung District, Kendal Regency. The study used observational analytics with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study was all parents who had children aged 0-12 years in TanjungmojoKidul Village. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling of 55 respondents who have met the criteria of inclusion and exclusion. Education level data and further knowledge levels analyzed with Chi-Square test. Chi-Square test results between education level and knowledge level obtained p = 0.006. This shows a p value of less than 0.05 with a confidence level of 95% so there is a significant relationship between the level of education and the level of knowledge about antibiotics. There is a relationship of parents' education level to knowledge about antibiotics in children aged 0-12 years in TanjungmojoVillage Kangkung district of Kendal regency.

Exploring Knowledge of Antibiotic Use, Resistance, and Stewardship Programs among Pharmacy Technicians Serving in Ambulatory Care Settings in Pakistan and the Implications.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading global health threat, increasing morbidity, mortality, and costs, with excessive and irrational use of antimicrobials contributing to the development of AMR. Consequently, the aims of this study were to evaluate the understanding of antibiotic use, AMR, and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) among pharmacy technicians serving in ambulatory healthcare settings in Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacy technicians serving in 144 ambulatory care settings in seven districts of Punjab province using a validated questionnaire. Overall, 376 technicians completed the survey (85.8% response rate). The majority were men (89.1%), aged 25–35 years (45.1%), serving in emergency departments (43.9%) and filling 31–60 prescriptions per day (37.5%). Most (79.5%) knew that antibiotics were one of the most frequently prescribed drug classes, while 59.8% believed antibiotics for common colds did not speed up recovery. Inadequate duration (59.6%) and inadequate dosages (57.7%) of antibiotic therapy were reported as the leading causes of AMR. Terms including ‘superbugs’, ‘multidrug resistance’, and ‘extensively drug resistance’ were known to 42.0%, 25.3%, and 20.7% of participants, respectively; however, <10% knew about ASPs, including their core elements and purpose. Our study revealed that pharmacy technicians have adequate awareness of antibiotic use but are currently unaware of AMR and ASPs, which is a concern.

Health Information Orientation Profiles and Their Association with Knowledge of Antibiotic Use in a Population with Good Internet Access: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Poor knowledge of antibiotic use drives poor antibiotic practices, but little is known about the influence of health information orientation (HIO) on knowledge of antibiotic use in the general public. Methods: We conducted a nationally-representative population-wide cross-sectional study (November 2020–January 2021), on a proportionately stratified random sample of 2004 Singapore residents aged ≥21 years. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between HIO and knowledge of antibiotic use. Results: Forty percent of respondents had low-levels of HIO (LL-HIO); they tended to be younger, not currently married, and did not have family/friends working in the healthcare sector. Respondents with LL-HIO (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32–2.51, p < 0.001) were 82% more likely to have poor knowledge of antibiotic use. In particular, older adults aged ≥50 years with LL-HIO (aOR 1.81, 95% CI [1.32–2.51], p < 0.001) were much more likely to have poor knowledge than their HL-HIO counterparts. They were also less likely to use the Internet to seek health information and had poor eHealth efficacy. Conclusion: LL-HIO is independently associated with poor knowledge of antibiotic use. Educational strategies on antibiotic use should disseminate a consistent message through both online and offline platforms, involving traditional and non-traditional healthcare and non-healthcare influencers.

Parental Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Antibiotics use for Childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Kicukiro District, Rwanda

Parents’ knowledge and expectations towards antibiotics use for children’s Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are contributing factors of antibiotics misuse and the latter leads to the antimicrobial resistance. Thus, this study aimed at assessing parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on antibiotics use for childhood URTIs in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire for data collection from a sample size of 384 parents of under 12 years of age children attending selected Health Centers in Kicukiro District. (SPPS) version 21 was used for data analysis; Chi-square test and regression analysis were used to examine the association between dependent and independent variables. The study findings indicated that 88.5% of parents were female, 39.6% aged from 25 to 34 years, 81.8% were married, 42.2% completed secondary education, 50% had 2 to 4 children and 57% were in economic class 2. Only 23.2% of parents had high level of knowledge of antibiotics; 40.1% had positive attitudes and 62% had poor practices towards antibiotics use for childhood URTIs. Employed parents with increased level of education, in higher economic position demonstrated good practices towards antibiotics use. Parents’ high level of knowledge and positive attitudes regarding antibiotics use had also good practices on antibiotics with AOR=13.371, 95% CI= [3.604-49.617], p&lt;0.001, and AOR=0.309, 95% CI=[0.96-0.489], p&lt;0.001 respectively, compared to their corresponding counterparts. In conclusion, majority of parents in Kicukiro District had low level of knowledge of antibiotic use, negative attitudes towards antibiotic use and poor practices towards antibiotics utilization for childhood URTIs. Factors associated with good parental practices towards ABs use for children’s URTIs include having 5 or more children, higher education, employment, high economic class, high knowledge of antibiotics and positive attitudes towards ABs use. Health education for parents should be urgently done to reduce antibiotics misuse by raising awareness on their indications of antibiotics, side effects and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Keywords: Antibiotics, Attitudes and Knowledge, Children, Misuse, Parents, Kicukiro District, Rwanda

A qualitative study on community use of antibiotics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

BackgroundResistance to antibiotics is an increasing and major threat to global health. While the large majority of antimicrobial use occurs in the community where antibiotics are available without prescription, we did not find any studies investigating community-level factors influencing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where non-prescription antibiotic use is prevalent.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted from April 1st 2019 to May 5th 2019 and consisting of in-depth semi-structured interviews, utilizing purposive and snowball sampling schemes to recruit adult heads of households in the Pakadjuma slum, in Kinshasa, DRC. Participants with differing medical and educational backgrounds were selected. We employed a thematic analysis approach to explore community knowledge and use of antibiotics in the sampled population.ResultsA total of 18 participants with a median age of 35 years were interviewed. The majority was female (77.7%), had at least a secondary education (83.4%), and unemployed (61.1%). We found that participants were familiar with the term “antibiotics”, but had limited knowledge of the indications and risks of antibiotics, including the risk of antibiotic resistance. Inappropriate use of antibiotics was common and there was frequent self-medication of non-prescribed medicines for a range of non-indicated conditions such as menstruation. Having limited income was the most commonly reported reason for not visiting a health facility for appropriate health care.ConclusionInappropriate use of antibiotics is a widespread practice and is influenced by lack of adequate knowledge of antibiotic use, indications and risks, prevalent self-medication, and financial barriers to accessing appropriate health care. There is need for both community education as well as structural interventions addressing poverty in order to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the Pakadjuma slum in Kinshasa.

Knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use among small-scale poultry farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examined the knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use among small-scale poultry farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 88 poultry farmers. The interview schedule was used for data collection. Respondents' indices of knowledge of antibiotic use (KABU), antibiotic resistance (KABR) and antibiotic use practices (PABU) were determined. Binary logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effect of socio-demographics of respondents, knowledge of antibiotic use and knowledge of antibiotic resistance on the likelihood that farmers use antibiotics inappropriately. All poultry farmers studied used antibiotics for growth promotion, disease prevention, and treatment. The mean index of KABU was 0.54 with 48 % of the respondents having good KABU while the mean index of KABR was 0.65 and 70.5 % of the farmers had good KABR. The farmers’ mean index of PABU was 0.47 and 83 % of them used antibiotics inappropriately. Farmers with good KABU (OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.030–17.222) and KABR (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.258–15.791) were more likely to misuse antibiotics than those with poor knowledge. Antibiotics are routinely, and on many occasions inappropriately, used in small-scale poultry production in Enugu State, Nigeria. Antibiotics are valuable agents whose efficacy can only be preserved if they are handled with care. Training small-scale farmers will allow them to improve their knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use.

Impact of a Pharmacist-led Educational Intervention on knowledge of antibiotics among mothers of under-five children attending vaccination clinics in Delta State, Nigeria

Background. The extent of mothers’ knowledge about antibiotics largely determines their use in children. Objectives. This study assessed knowledge of antibiotics among mothers’ of under-fives and the immediate impact of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on knowledge scores Methods. A prospective interventional study was conducted among mothers of under-five children. The pre-intervention knowledge scores were determined with the aid of an antibiotic knowledge questionnaire which was interviewer-administered. An educational intervention which focused on all aspects of knowledge of antibiotic use covered by the questionnaire was administered by a pharmacist; thereafter the post intervention knowledge scores were determined using the same knowledge questionnaire. Overall knowledge scores were categorized into poor, moderate and good. The percentage change in the proportions of mothers who had good scores was determined, Chi square test were performed to determine the relationship between knowledge scores and having a family member as a healthcare professional and paired t-test was done to determine impact of the intervention on the mean scores on each knowledge question. P values ≤ 0.05 were statistically significant.Results. A total of 253 mothers participated in the study from two centres. Twenty-one mothers (7.7%) had good knowledge on antibiotics at baseline which increased to 138 (50.6%) after an educational intervention. Knowledge scores for each item also improved post-intervention with least pre-intervention mean scores increasing from 0.25(SD=0.44) to 0.67(SD=0.47), p&lt;0.0001 and 0.18(SD=0.39) to 0.73 (SD=0.44),p&lt;0.0001 at the Warri and Ughelli centres respectively post-intervention. The knowledge questions with the highest scores also increased from mean score of 0.79 (SD= 0.41) to 0.90 (SD= 0.30) at p=0.0041 in the Warri centre and 0.83 (SD= 0.26) to 0.93 (SD=0.26) at p=0.0448 in the Ughelli centre post- intervention. Other items such as knowledge of diarrhoea being a side effect of some antibiotics, completing full course of antibiotics for a child if symptoms improved also improved significantly. Conclusion. This study found out that a pharmacist-led educational intervention had a measurable impact on mothers’ knowledge of antibiotics use in children.

Assessing Knowledge about Antibiotic Resistance and the Prevalence of Self- Medication with Antibiotics among Community Pharmacy Clients in Lagos State.

Background: Knowledgeable self-medication has its advantages, however, without adequate information, it can be dangerous and harmful. Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is common in Nigeria and has led to increased cases of drug resistance, threatening the future relevance of antibiotics. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of SMA among walk-in patients in pharmacies in Lagos state, assessing their level of knowledge about antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, and conditions for use. Methods: The research involved three community pharmacies in Ikeja, Apapa, and Agege areas of Lagos representing high, medium, and low-income areas, respectively. Willing participants above 15 years of age were administered a questionnaire with questions aimed at assessing how often they engage in SMA and their familiarity with factors causing antibiotic resistance. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and results were presented in tables. Chi-square was used to determine levels of association between variables with P-values significant at &lt; 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results: Among the respondents, 35.1% indulged in SMA while 64.5% purchased their antibiotic medications through a healthcare professional’s recommendation. Over two-thirds of the respondents had basic knowledge of antibiotic use with a similar fraction being familiar with the existence of antibiotic resistance and factors that contribute to its development. Conclusion: A majority of the respondents were knowledgeable regarding antibiotic use and factors that could lead to antibiotic resistance however, many of them still practiced self-medication with antibiotics. Health promotional activities are encouraged for further enlightenment of the public so as to reduce the widespread prevalence of this challenge.

The Associations between Poor Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Resistance Knowledge and Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in the General Population Are Modified by Age.

Objectives: Understanding factors influencing inappropriate antibiotic use can guide the design of interventions to improve antibiotic practices and reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Methods: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey (N = 2004) was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021. Knowledge of antibiotic use and AMR using the World Health Organization’s Multi-Country AMR Survey questionnaire, and antibiotic practices were examined. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic use and examine effect measure modifications. Results: After adjusting for potential confounding, poor knowledge of antibiotic use was associated with a 3x increased odds of inappropriate antibiotic use in adults aged ≥50 years (aOR 3.11, 95% CI [2.24–4.32]), 5× increased odds in those aged 35–49 years (aOR 4.88, 95% CI [3.32–7.16]), and 7× increased odds in those aged 21–34 years (aOR 6.58, 95% CI [4.19–10.33]). While there was no statistically significant association in adults aged ≥50 years, poor knowledge of AMR increased the odds of inappropriate antibiotic use by 4 times in adults aged 35–49 years (aOR 3.73, 95% CI [1.53–9.11]) and 5 times in those aged 21–34 years (aOR 4.90, 95% CI [1.84–13.02]). Conclusions: Targeted educational interventions for specific age groups are needed in conjunction with empowering the public with knowledge of antibiotic use and AMR.

Antibiotic use in Moshi Urban: A cross-sectional Study of Knowledge and Practices among Caretakers of Children in Kilimanjaro Tanzania

IntroductionAntibiotics are commonly accessed and used for the management of illness in children without a prescription. We investigated the caretaker’s knowledge and practices on antibiotics and antibiotics use to their children.MethodThis was the hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from April to July 2017 in three facilities located in Moshi Municipality. A convenience sampling was employed to select for caretakers with their sick children at KCMC, Mawenzi hospital, and Longuo dispensary. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 224 caretakers who had visited health facilities with their children seeking health care.ResultsThe majority (87.9%, 197/224) of all interviewed caretakers had good knowledge of the use of antibiotics. Irrespective of knowing that it is not safe to self-medicate a child with any antibiotics (95.1%, 213/224), most (61.6%, 138/224) caretakers practiced self-medication with the medicines. Having two children (aOR = 7.75, 95% CI: 1.89-31.67) and having three children (aOR=7.23, 95%CI: 1.08-48.51) were significantly associated with good knowledge of antibiotics.ConclusionThis study has revealed that caretakers in Moshi had a good knowledge of antibiotic use. However, despite such good knowledge, malpractices were observed. We call upon the use of media campaigns to advocate for the importance of the rational use of antibiotics and its effect on human health and the risk of antimicrobial resistance development.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(3):347-356

Knowledge, Perception, and Belief on Antibiotic Use in The Community of Panyabungan, Mandailing Natal District, Indonesia

Antibiotics are organic compounds produced by certain microorganisms and toxic to the other microorganisms. Irrational antibiotic use can cause serious health problems, especially bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the extent of knowledge, perception and belief on antibiotic use in Panyabungankota Subdistrict Mandailing Natal District. This study used cross-sectional design, total sample 198 people taken by purposive random sampling. Research data retrieval time during December 2017. In this study the questionnare used consisted of four sections they are demographic, knowledge, perceptions and belief. Analysis of the data used are univariate and bivariate analysis with chi-square method. From the result of the research, it was found that the public knowledge regarding antibiotic use was 37.9% belongs to good category, whereas society perception regarding antibiotic use was 69.7% belong to enough category and belief regarding antibiotic use was 74.7% belong to enough category. The result of statistical test showed significant relationship among public knowledge of antibiotic use and the characteristics of sex, age, last education, and work, p&lt;0.1. The result of statistical test showed no significant relationship among perception and belief of antibiotic use and the characteristics of sex, age, last education, and work, p&gt;0.1. and the result showed significant relationship between knowledge and beliefs, p&lt;0.1, the result showed no significant relationship between knowledge and perception, p&gt;0.1. and the result showed significant relationship between perception and beliefs, p&lt;0,1. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded, that knowledge, perceptions and belief of antibiotic use still need to be improved.

Knowledge and Expectations on Antibiotic Use Among the General Public in Malaysia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

BackgroundIdentifying knowledge gaps regarding antibiotic use and resistance is important for future interventional strategies. There is limited information on Malaysia’s general public’s knowledge and expectations on antibiotic use.PurposeTo assess the knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance, expectations from antibiotic prescription, and identify inappropriate practices related to antibiotic use among Malaysia’s general public.Materials and MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among Malaysians aged 18 years and above from each state, from May to November 2019. Participants were recruited via quota sampling, followed by convenient sampling. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.ResultsOf the 1971 respondents recruited, 56.6% had engaged in at least one inappropriate practice; particularly, not completing the antibiotic course (48.8%). The mean total knowledge score was 8.57±4.24 (total 20). The majority incorrectly believed that antibiotics work on viral infections (79.1%) and colds and coughs (77.0%). Less than half of them believed that antibiotics could be stopped when symptoms improved (42.8%). Most respondents incorrectly perceived that antibiotic resistance occurs when the body becomes resistant to antibiotics (90.2%) and antibiotic resistance is not an issue in the country (62.9%). More than half the participants expected antibiotics to be prescribed for self-limiting symptoms (fever: 62.9%, sore throat: 57.2%, cold or flu: 50.9%). Respondents with better knowledge were less likely to engage in inappropriate antibiotic use (never engaged: 9.26±4.40 versus had engaged: 8.11±4.00, p<0.001), and expect doctors to discuss with them the need for antibiotics (agree/strongly agree: 9.03±4.25 versus neutral: 6.62±3.91 versus disagree/strongly disagree: 8.29±4.00, p<0.001).ConclusionKnowledge gaps in the role of antibiotics and understanding of antibiotic resistance should be considered whtpen designing future educational strategies for the general public.

Exploring gender differences in knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use in Southeast Asia: A scoping review.

Inappropriate use of antibiotics has been one of the main contributors to antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Southeast Asia. Different genders are prone to different antibiotic use practices. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence available on gender differences in antibiotic use across Southeast Asia. The search strategy for this scoping review involved PubMed, Semantic Scholar, BioMed Central and ProQuest. Two-level screening was applied to identify the final sample of relevant sources. Thematic content analysis was then conducted on the selected final sources to identify recurring themes related to gender differences in antibiotic use and a narrative account was developed based on the themes. Recommendations for next steps regarding reducing inappropriate antibiotic use and gender considerations that need to be made when developing future interventions were also identified. Research on gender and antibiotic use remains scarce. Studies that discuss gender within the context of antibiotic use often mention differences between males and females in knowledge, attitudes and/or behaviour, however, do not explore reasons for these differences. Gender differences in antibiotic use were generally examined in terms of: (i) knowledge of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance and (ii) practices related to antibiotic use. Evidence indicated that differences between males and females in knowledge and practices of antibiotic use varied greatly based on setting. This indicates that gender differences in antibiotic use are greatly contextual and intersect with other sociodemographic factors, particularly education and socioeconomic status. Educational interventions that are targeted to meet the specific needs of males and females and delivered through pharmacists and healthcare professionals were the most common recommendations for reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community. Such targeted interventions require further qualitative research on factors influencing differences in knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use among males and females. In addition, there is also a need to strengthen monitoring and regulation practices to ensure accessibility to affordable, quality antibiotics through trusted sources.

Knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among health-related students in a Saudi University.

Antibiotic resistance is a threat to public health and safety globally. The inadequate undergraduate education on antibiotic stewardship may contribute to the clinical malpractice of antibiotics, causing serious consequences toward patient health. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of future healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia on antibiotics, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance. The factors influencing the students' knowledge were also determined. A cross-sectional study using a survey questionnaire was carried out among 284 Clinical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia from January to April 2019. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the factors influencing the students' knowledge regarding antibiotics, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. The study found that students have above-average knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, whereas their knowledge of antibiotic use was inadequate. Several factors, including gender, program, academic level, awareness about antibiotic resistance, attendance to seminars/training, and belief on the seriousness of antibiotic resistance problem, affect students' knowledge. The findings suggest that the knowledge of students in these areas should be improved. Misconceptions are prominent in certain areas, such as in the concept of antibiotics and their uses. The findings prompt immediate interventions to improve students' knowledge of antibiotics and resistance. Curricular contents must be reviewed and enhanced to suit the specific learning needs of students in terms of these concepts.