Antibiotic Knowledge Research Articles

EDUKASI MENGENAI PENGGUNAAN ANTIBIOTIK YANG RASIONAL DI LINGKUNGAN SMK NEGERI 1 TAMBELANG BEKASI

Antibiotics are antimicrobial drugs used to treat bacterial infections. High prevalence of infectious diseases, increasing the use of antibiotics in society. The high rate of antibiotics use without a doctor's prescription makes their use irrational and leads to drug resistance. One of the factors causing drug resistance is the lack of public knowledge about the use of drugs, especially antibiotics. Knowledge plays an important role in shaping certain beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. The higher the level of education, it is expected that the better the level of knowledge on drug use. Studies to know the level of knowledge of residents using antibiotics, carried out in SMA and SMK Tambelang District Bekasi Regency, show that most respondents have insufficient knowledge (52.4%) of antibiotics. For this reason, PKM activities have been carried out in the form of education on the rational use of antibiotics, which was attended by 53 residents in SMK 1 Tambelang Bekasi, consisting of teachers, students, and educational staff. Before and after education, pretest and post-test were carried out to assess knowledge of antibiotics use. The mean pretest score was 8.08 points, and the post-test mean score was 9.42 points. Statistical analysis showed a mean difference between the pretest and post-test values of 1.34 points with a p-value of 0.008 (p <0.05). With the results obtained, it is expected to increase the knowledge of the residents of SMK 1 Negeri Tambelang Bekasi in the rational use of antibiotics so that it will indirectly reduce the incidence of resistance to antibioticsABSTRAK:Antibiotics are antimicrobial drugs used to treat bacterial infections. High prevalence of infectious diseases, increasing the use of antibiotics in society. The high rate of antibiotics use without a doctor's prescription makes their use irrational and leads to drug resistance. One of the factors causing drug resistance is the lack of public knowledge about the use of drugs, especially antibiotics. Knowledge plays an important role in shaping certain beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. The higher the level of education, it is expected that the better the level of knowledge on drug use. Studies to know the level of knowledge of residents using antibiotics, carried out in SMA and SMK Tambelang District Bekasi Regency, show that most respondents have insufficient knowledge (52.4%) of antibiotics. For this reason, PKM activities have been carried out in the form of education on the rational use of antibiotics, which was attended by 53 residents in SMK 1 Tambelang Bekasi, consisting of teachers, students, and educational staff. Before and after education, pretest and post-test were carried out to assess knowledge of antibiotics use. The mean pretest score was 8.08 points, and the post-test mean score was 9.42 points. Statistical analysis showed a mean difference between the pretest and post-test values of 1.34 points with a p-value of 0.008 (p <0.05). With the results obtained, it is expected to increase the knowledge of the residents of SMK 1 Negeri Tambelang Bekasi in the rational use of antibiotics so that it will indirectly reduce the incidence of resistance to antibiotics

Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and its related factors among Chinese residents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSelf-medication is one of the most common forms of inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in China and evaluate the related factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wuhan, Hubei, China from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019. Participants were recruited in public places to answer a structured questionnaire. The information of participants’ social demographic characteristics, antibiotic knowledge and health beliefs were collected. Binary Logistics regression analysis was used to examine the associated factors of SMA.ResultsOf the 3206 participants, 10.32% reported SMA in the past 6 months. Participants who with middle or high perceived barriers to seek health care services showed a higher likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). Participants who with middle or high perceived threats of self-medication, and who with middle or high self-efficacy to overcome obstacles showed a lower likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with developed countries, the prevalence of SMA in China is still higher. Measures to conduct public health education and improve the accessibility of health services are crucial to decrease the overall self-medication rate in China.

Use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance in Nepal: a nationwide survey

Nepal suffers from high burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to inappropriate use of antibiotics. The main objective of this study was to explore knowledge, attitude and practices of antibiotics uses among patients, healthcare workers, laboratories, drug sellers and farmers in eight districts of Nepal. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and July 2017. A total of 516 individuals participated in a face-to-face interview that included clinicians, private drug dispensers, patients, laboratories, public health centers/hospitals and, livestock and poultry farmers. Out of 516 respondents, 62.8% (324/516) were patients, 16.9% (87/516) were clinicians, 6.4% (33/516) were private drug dispensers. A significant proportion of patients (42.9%; 139/324) thought that fever could be treated with antibiotics. Majority (79%; 256/324) of the patients purchased antibiotics over the counter. The knowledge of antibiotics used among patients increased proportionately with the level of education: literate only [AOR = 1.4 (95% Cl = 0.6–4.4)], versus secondary education (8–10 grade) [AOR = 1.8 (95% Cl = 1.0–3.4)]. Adult patients were more aware of antibiotic resistance. Use of antibiotics over the counter was found high in this study. Knowledge, attitude and practice related to antibiotic among respondents showed significant gaps and need an urgent effort to mitigate such practice.

Antibiotic stewardship knowledge and belief differences among healthcare professionals in hospitals: A survey study

BackgroundCollaborative practice in healthcare has been recommended to improve the quality of antimicrobial stewardship interventions, a behavioral change in antimicrobial use. Insufficient knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance, the fear of complications from infections, and how providers perceive antibiotic use and resistance are likely to influence prescribing behavior. This study's objective was to identify the knowledge and belief healthcare professionals' differences about antibiotic stewardship. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey study of three hospitals in the East Java province, Indonesia utilized a 43-item questionnaire to assess antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and belief. There were 12 knowledge questions (total possible score: 12) and 31 belief questions (total possible score: 155). The Kuder Richardson 20 (KR-20) and Cronbach alpha values of the questionnaire were 0.54 and 0.92, respectively. ResultsOut of the 257 respondents, 19% (48/257) had a low scores of knowledge, and 39% (101/257) had low scores on belief about antibiotic stewardship (101/257). Most midwives had a low scores on knowledge (25/61) and low scores on belief (46/61). Respondents with high scores on belief were 17% (10/59) physicians, 15% (4/27) pharmacists, 8% (5/65) nurses, and 3% (2/61) midwives. ConclusionAmong healthcare professionals, knowledge and belief differences concerning antibiotic stewardship vary widely. These differences will affect their capability, behavior, and contribution to the healthcare team collaboration and performance. Further studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between the level of inter-professional collaboration and the quality of the antibiotic stewardship implementation.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF ANTIBIOTICS AND THEIR USES AGAINST VARIOUS DISEASES AMONG THE DORMITORY STUDENTS OF A RESIDENTIAL UNIVERSITY IN BANGLADESH: A PILOT STUDY

Aim and objective: The study attempts to investigate the knowledge and actual condition of antibiotic uses among university students to get rid from different infectious diseases. Methods: The study was conducted in a residential dormitory of a public university of Bangladesh. About 145 (n=145) students took part in the study which was conducted in January, 2020. Data were collected on the basis of a questionnaire made of basic questions about antibiotics and its resistance. Results: Among 145 students, 94.5% previously known about antibiotic which is impressive but a vast majority (46.4%) had no idea about antibiotic resistance and 51% did not know anything what will happen if bacteria become resistant to antibiotics which is alarming. It was found that the most used antibiotic was Azithromycin (46.4%), whereas amoxicillin (40%) was second highest. Those antibiotics were used to treat mostly fever (63.4%), various infections (31%), cold cough(25.4%),diarrhea(15.5%) irritable bowel syndrome(9.9%) etc. Most students (83.7%) used antibiotics as per doctor’s prescription. About 50% students had knowledge about antibiotic course and resistance which was evaluated by simple yes/no question. Conclusion: This work highlights the basic statistics of the knowledge about antibiotics use and abuse among the students of a residential dormitory of a public University of Bangladesh. Peer Review History: Received 22 March 2021; Revised 11 April; Accepted 26 April, Available online 15 May 2021 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Ali Awad Allah Ali Moh. Saeed, National University, Sudan, alimhsd@gmail.com Dr. Kamal Elbssir Mohammed Ali, Hail University KSA, kamalelbssir999@gmail.com Similar Articles: EFFECT OF MOST COMMON ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SURGICAL WOUNDS IN ADEN GOVERNORATE HOSPITALS, YEMEN BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS OF ADULTS: CAUSES AND OPHTHALMIC ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS FOR THE COMMON BACTERIAL ISOLATES

Using Weibo and WeChat social media channels to assess public awareness and practices related to antimicrobial resistance, China, 2019

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healthcare problem, including in China where high rates of resistance to common bacterial infections have been documented. In 2016, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) in China established a comprehensive strategic plan to increase awareness about AMR through education programs.MethodsWe conducted an online survey to assess changes in public knowledge, awareness and practices related to AMR in China since 2016. The survey was administered using China’s national and provincial level 12320 Health Hotline Weibo (micro-blog site) and WeChat (text messaging service) social media accounts from April 12, 2019 to May 7, 2019. All persons ≥16 years of age able to read Chinese were eligible to participate.ResultsA total of 2773 respondents completed the survey. Of the 2633 respondents indicating recent use of antibiotics, 84% (2223) reported obtaining their course of antibiotics from a hospital or pharmacy, 9% (246) of respondents reported using antibiotics saved from a previous prescription or treatment course, and 42% (1115) of respondents reported that they had stopped taking antibiotics as soon as they started feeling better. Most respondents correctly indicated that antibiotics can effectively treat urinary tract infections (86% [2388]) and skin infections (76% [2119]), but many incorrectly indicated that antibiotics can also treat viral infections such as measles (32% [889]) or a cold or flu (26% [726]). Of all respondents, 95% (2634) had heard of ‘antibiotic resistance’. Almost half (47% [1315]) reported using antibiotics within the last 6 months.ConclusionWhile awareness of AMR was high in this survey of social media users in China, inappropriate antibiotic use remains common, including the believe that antibiotics can effectively treat viral infections. Multiple interventions targeting the correct use of antibiotics and information on the cause AMR are likely needed. The 12320 Health Hotline provides a platform for conducting routine surveys to monitor antibiotic use and knowledge about AMR.

Public KAP towards COVID-19 and Antibiotics Resistance: A Malaysian Survey of Knowledge and Awareness.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the Malaysian public on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and antibiotics, the practice of preventive measures and attitude towards the new norms. The web-based questionnaire was disseminated online from 1 to 31 October 2020. Out of 2117 respondents, 1405 (66.4%) knew that transmission of COVID-19 virus could happen in asymptomatic people. In term of antibiotics knowledge, 779 (36.8%) respondents were aware that taking antibiotics could not speed up the recovery process of all infections. Less than half of the respondents (49.0%) knew that antibiotics are effective against bacterial infection only. Majority (92.3%) practiced good preventive measures. Majority of the respondents strongly agreed that quarantine should be made mandatory for all arrival from overseas (97.2%) and wearing face masks should be made mandatory in all public areas (94.0%). Respondents of Chinese ethnicity (p = 0.008), middle-aged (p = 0.002), with tertiary education (p = 0.015) and healthcare related education (p < 0.001), from the higher income groups (p = 0.001) were more likely to have better knowledge on COVID-19. The Malaysian public demonstrated good knowledge towards COVID-19, adequate practice of preventive measures and high acceptance towards the new norm. Knowledge on antibiotics use and resistance was poor, which warrants attention from the health authorities.

Changing Patient and Public Beliefs About Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Using a Brief Digital Intervention.

Background: A key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is patient demand for unnecessary antibiotics, which is driven by patients’ beliefs about antibiotics and AMR. Few interventions have targeted beliefs to reduce inappropriate demand. Objective: To examine whether a brief, online algorithm-based intervention can change beliefs that may lead to inappropriate antibiotic demand (i.e. perceptions of antibiotic necessity and lack of concern about antibiotic harm). Design: Pre- and post-intervention study. Participants: Participants were 18 years or older, and residing in the United Kingdom, who self-selected to participate via Amazon mTurk, an online survey plaform, and via research networks. Intervention: Participants were presented with a hypothetical situation of cold and flu symptoms, then exposed to the intervention. The online intervention comprised: 1) a profiling tool identifying individual beliefs (antibiotic necessity, concerns, and knowledge) driving inappropriate antibiotic demand; 2) messages designed to change beliefs and knowledge (i.e. reduce antibiotic necessity, and increase antibiotic concerns and knowledge), and 3) an algorithm linking specific messages to specific beliefs and knowledge. Main measures: The profiling tool was repeated immediately after the intervention and compared with baseline scores to assess change in beliefs. A paired samples t-test was used to determine intervention effect. Key Results: A total of 100 respondents completed the study. A significant change in beliefs relating to inappropriate demand was observed after the intervention, with a reduction in beliefs about antibiotic necessity (t = 7.254; p < 0.0001), an increase in antibiotic concerns (t = −7.214; p < 0.0001), and increases in antibiotic and AMR knowledge (t = −4.651; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that patient beliefs about antibiotics and AMR associated with inappropriate demand can be changed by a brief, tailored online intervention. This has implications for the design of future interventions to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use.

Healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours with respect to antibiotics, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance across 30 EU/EEA countries in 2019.

BackgroundWhile several studies have assessed knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the public, physicians and medical students in a number of EU/EEA countries with respect to antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, there is a paucity of literature for other healthcare workers. This survey aimed to fill this gap.MethodsA 43-item online questionnaire was developed, validated and pilot-tested through a modified Delphi consensus process involving 87 Project Advisory Group (PAG) members, including national representatives and members of European health professional groups. The survey was distributed by the PAG and via social media to healthcare workers in 30 EU/EEA countries.ResultsRespondents (n = 18,365) from 30 EU/EEA countries participated. Knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic use was higher (97%) than knowledge of development and spread of antibiotic resistance (75%). Sixty percent of respondents stated they had received information on avoiding unnecessary prescribing, administering or dispensing of antibiotics. Among respondents who prescribed, administered or dispensed antibiotics, 55% had provided advice on prudent antibiotic use or management of infections to patients, but only 17% had given resources (leaflets or pamphlets). For community and hospital prescribers, fear of patient deterioration or complications was the most frequent reason (43%) for prescribing antibiotics that were considered unnecessary. Community prescribers were almost twice as likely as hospital prescribers to prescribe antibiotics due to time constraints or to maintain patient relationships.ConclusionIt is important to move from raising awareness about prudent antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among healthcare workers to designing antimicrobial stewardship interventions aimed at changing relevant behaviours.

A Comparative Study about Knowledge, Attitude, Practice of Antibiotic Use and Perceptions of the Possible Causes of Resistance between Final Year Undergraduate Students and Postgraduate Pharmacy Students

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a problem leading to difficulty in treating microbial infections thatmay occur due to many causes. For the important pharmacist role as a reference for the information and theability to access to medications, they are vital members in lowering the development of antibiotic resistance,and also they support the proper use and control of antibioticsmisuse. Our goal is comparing the knowledge,attitude, practice of undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy students and their perceptions about thecausing factors of antibiotic resistance in Iraq.Method: A cross sectional study was conducted involving the final year bachelor and postgraduate (masterand Philosophical doctor) students from different private and public pharmacy universities in Iraq. Anadjusted questionnaire was administrated to 233 students electronically and the results obtained wereanalyzed by using SPSS 20 for Windows Descriptive. A significant difference was found in the knowledgeof antibiotic between undergraduate and postgraduate(Master and Philosophical doctor) students (Meanknowledge score5.32 versus 5.92 respectively, p&lt;0.001).Attitude data also showed a higher positive attitudeof postgraduate students according to antibiotic use and resistance when compared to undergraduatestudents (Mean attitude score: 2.97 versus 2.92 respectively, p&lt;0.05). Significant difference was observed inpractices of the comparative students groups regarding to the frequency of self- medication, reason, sourcesof antibiotic use and in terms of disease condition where they used(p&lt;0.05) . Continuous mutation and genechanges of micro-organism taken the higher percentages answere d yes for the undergraduate students whilethe limited restrictions on antibiotic usage taken the higher percentages answere d yes for the postgraduatestudents (89.1% and 98.5%respectively).Conclusion: We can conclude from data of our study that there is a significant difference in the knowledge,attitude, practice of antibiotic use and perceptions of the possible causes of resistance between postgraduate(master and Philosophical doctor) and undergraduate (fifth year bachelor) pharmacy students when assessingthe use of antibiotic and related resistance. This will help to determine the educational requirements forpharmacy students in colleges of Iraq for better understanding and dealing with the antibiotic resistanceproblem in the future

Survey of the Knowledge and Use of Antibiotics among Medical and Veterinary Health Professionals and Students in Portugal.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent and complex problem worldwide, exacerbated by the frequently inappropriate use of antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to survey the levels of knowledge and awareness about antibiotic use and stewardship, among human and veterinary health professionals or students in Portugal, and the associations between antibiotic knowledge factors and socio-professional groups. In cross-sectional survey design, a total of 449 online structured questionnaires were completed in 2018–2019. The statistical analysis was performed dividing the respondents into four groups, A (undergraduate students), B (PhD students and researchers), C (lecturers), and D (technicians and other occupation). Among all respondents, 17% (n = 75) revealed some gap in knowledge about antibiotic resistance and the antibiotics that should be administered for different infection types (bacterial, viral, or fungal). Of the 159 pet owners among the respondents, only half had administered antibiotics to their animal and 64% (n = 102) knew that veterinary prescription is mandatory when administering antibiotics to animals. All groups statistically agreed that the AMR is a major public health problem and the antibiotics should be administrated for bacterial infections and used until the whole pack has been finished (p = 0.00). As expected, only groups B and C demonstrated a higher level of knowledge to recognize the antibiotic name and their active ingredient than undergraduate students (p = 0.00). About the antibiotic use on pets, only group B was statistically significant to no used antibiotics on their pets (p = 0.00). However, groups A, C, and D were statistically significant for the knowledge about the mandatory veterinarian prescription and groups C and D were significantly statistics for fully aware of the transmission of bacteria between animals and humans. In conclusion, in matters related to AMR, the behavior, education, and training of the general public and health professionals, including those who prescribe antibiotics for humans and animals, need to be improved.

Usage and knowledge of antibiotics of fish farmers in small‐scale freshwater aquaculture in the Red River Delta, Vietnam

This study focussed on the use and knowledge of antibiotics of tilapia and traditional freshwater species fish farmers in Hai Duong province, the major freshwater fish producing area in Red River Delta, Vietnam. As found from this cross-sectional survey, antibiotics were used by 91.7% of a total 60 surveyed farmers for the purposes of disease prevention and treatment. However, 98.2% of these farmers carried out no form of antibiotic susceptibility testing before choosing, buying and using antibiotics. Additionally, 78.9% of the respondent farmers who experienced significant mortalities in their stocks immediately treated with antibiotics without any diagnostic analysis or support. Within those surveyed, whilst 76.7% believed that antibiotics could be used to treat bacterial diseases, 13.3% farmers thought that antibiotics could also be used to treat viral diseases. The use of antibiotics by surveyed farmers can be influenced by unreliable sources of information, such as sometimes given by drug manufacturers and sellers. Several antibiotics listed as ‘critically important’ in human medicine, along with antibiotics prohibited by the government, were used by surveyed farmers. Findings from this study indicate that government, academia and private sectors should work collaboratively together to improve consultative services, provide training on disease diagnosis, promote responsible use of antibiotics and develop alternative solutions/treatments replacing antibiotics. The authorities concerned should look to other national country models for monitoring and regulation of antibiotics use in aquaculture and identify constituent parts which can be appropriate, relevant and implementable in the context of Vietnamese aquaculture.

Is health literacy associated with antibiotic use, knowledge and awareness of antimicrobial resistance among non-medical university students in Egypt? A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesAntibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, especially in developing countries, where antibiotic misuse is widespread. However, studies investigating relevant factors, particularly in youth, are limited. This study examined...

Prevalence of antibiotic self-medication behavior and related factors among children aged 0 to 5 years

ABSTRACT Background: Self-medication behavior has great adverse effects on children. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) among children aged 0–5 years and explore the related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 1 July 2019 to 31 July 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province (Central China). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 1188 parents of children aged 0–5 years on sociodemographic characteristics, SMA among children, antibiotic knowledge and health beliefs of SMA. Results: Of the 1188 participants, 14.32% had self-medicated their children with antibiotics in the past 6 months. The higher the degree of perceived threat (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89–1.00) and self-efficacy (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89–0.98), the less likely parents were to self-medicate their children. On the contrary, the higher the degree of perceived barriers, the more likely parents were to self-medicate their children with antibiotics (OR = 1.058, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11). Conclusions: Health beliefs of parents were significantly associated with SMA among children. In addition to extensive health education, the Chinese government should also improve the accessibility and quality of health services to reduce the barriers of parental behavior change.

Effect of information on reducing inappropriate expectations and requests for antibiotics.

People often expect antibiotics when they are clinically inappropriate (e.g., for viral infections). This contributes significantly to physicians' decisions to prescribe antibiotics when they are clinically inappropriate, causing harm to the individual and to society. In two pre-registered studies employing UK general population samples (n1 =402; n2 =190), we evaluated the relationship between knowledge and beliefs with antibiotic expectations, and the effects of information provision on such expectations. We conducted a correlational study (study 1), in which we examined the role of antibiotic knowledge and beliefs and an experiment (study 2) in which we assessed the causal effect of information provision on antibiotic expectations. In study 1, we found that both knowledge and beliefs about antibiotics predicted antibiotic expectations. In study 2, a 2 (viral information: present vs. absent) × 2 (antibiotic information: present vs. absent) experimental between-subjects design, information about antibiotic efficacy significantly reduced expectations for antibiotics, but viral aetiology information did not. Providing antibiotic information substantially diminishes inappropriate expectations of antibiotics. Health campaigns might also aim to change social attitudes and normative beliefs, since more complex sociocognitive processes underpin inappropriate expectations for antibiotics.

1001 Survey of maternity care providers to assess knowledge and management of penicillin allergy in pregnancy

Penicillin allergy is commonly reported but only 10% are truly allergic. Reported penicillin allergy in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal outcomes. Therefore, allergy evaluation should be considered during pregnancy. We sought to assess clinical practice patterns and baseline knowledge among maternity care providers to identify knowledge gaps. An anonymous electronic survey containing 23 questions assessing respondent characteristics, practice patterns, and antibiotic allergy knowledge was administered to all maternity care providers at a single tertiary hospital. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariable analyses. 125 providers (29 attendings, 31 residents and fellows, 23 midwives and advance practice providers, and 42 nurses) responded. Respondent practice patterns and comfort with managing antibiotic allergies were assessed (Table 1). Most reported taking <2 minutes to assess allergy history. Only the minority always asked how long ago an allergic reaction occurred, asked if the patient received a similar antibiotic since the index reaction, or reported utilizing the medical record to determine what antibiotics were administered since. The distribution of knowledge responses are in Table 2. Most did not know the correct percentages of tolerance in reportedly allergic patients or the cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins. Most did not know that allergies can wane over time or how to test for an allergy. Physicians were significantly more likely to respond correctly compared to non-physicians, but years of experience was not significant. 54% (43/79) reported they never refer patients to an Allergy specialist, and the majority (53% (42/79) cited “limited knowledge” as their barrier. Significant knowledge gaps exist among maternity providers, which represent a missed opportunity to evaluate pregnant women with reported penicillin allergies. Educational interventions to improve provider knowledge would likely improve evaluation and referral of patients and positively impact pregnancy and maternal health outcomes.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Antibiotic resistance: is knowledge the only driver for awareness and appropriate use of antibiotics?

The fight against antibiotic resistance (AR) is nowadays a world priority. Antibiotic resistance is largely associated with the overuse of antibiotics and a lack of awareness of the problem. Considering the large use of antibiotics in the paediatric age, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and perception of antibiotic resistance in a sample of parents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of parents of children aged 0-14. Data on antibiotic use and awareness of antibiotic resistance were collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. The potential predictors of the antibiotic resistance awareness were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model. The questionnaire was completed by 610 parents of which 91% (n=553) used antibiotics for their children. Summarizing the answers related to antibiotic resistance knowledge and perception, 36% of parents gave a correct answers to at least 9 of 12 questions. Fever seemed to represent a reason of anxiety in parents. Using a 10-point scale, the perceived anxiety by parents was measured based on a situation when the child wakes up in the morning with a fever at 38°C and the doctor suggests to wait at least 48 hours before administering the antibiotic. Almost half of parents (49%) indicated a low degree of anxiety (1-4), 31% medium (5-6), and 20% high (7-10). Multivariate analysis showed that a good level of education, healthcare occupation and low grade of anxiety are associated with antibiotic resistance awareness. The awareness of antibiotic resistance is not strong. The study highlights the need to put effort on tailored education programs aimed to improve knowledge of antibiotic resistance and guide mainly anxious parents to appropriate management of disease of their children.

Knowledge and use of antibiotics among low-income small-scale farmers of Peru

The extensive use and misuse of antibiotics in the livestock sector is one of the main drivers of the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Although small-scale farms constitute most of the livestock production in low and middle-income countries, knowledge and use of antibiotics among these populations is sparse. We conducted 201 questionnaires to estimate the use and knowledge of antibiotics by small-scale farmers located in the coastal area of the Lima region of Peru. Our results show that farmers had a small number of livestock (e.g. average of 11 cows, 7 pigs and 19 chickens per farm) and 80 % earned less than minimum wage. More than half of farmers reported at least one episode of respiratory disease, diarrhea, mastitis, skin lesion or post-parturition infection in their animals during the previous year, and 40 % of these episodes were treated with antibiotics. Farmers reported using 14 different antibiotics, most commonly oxytetracycline (31 % of episodes treated with antibiotics), penicillin (21 %), gentamicin (19 %) and trimethoprim-sulfamethazine (18 %). The third-generation cephalosporin ceftiofur was occasionally used to treat mastitis. Most farmers relied on veterinarians to prescribe (95 % of respondents) and administer (59 %) antibiotics. Only half of farmers knew what micro-organisms can be treated with antibiotics and the degree of knowledge of antibiotics (based on a 5-question metric) was positively correlated with respondents’ educational level, monthly income, knowledge of the animal health authority, farm area, number of cows and knowledge of an antiparasitic drug. In contrast, knowledge of antibiotics was not correlated with respondents’ age, gender, main occupation, knowledge of a veterinarian or household size. Potential misuse of antibiotics was reported, including 21 % of framers reporting stopping the treatment when clinical signs disappear and infrequent use of antibiotics to treat parasites or animals not eating. Our study highlights poor knowledge and potential misuse of antibiotics among small-scale farmers in coastal Peru, but high reliance on veterinarians for prescription and administration. Strengthening farmers' relationships with veterinarians and improving the diagnostic capacity of the veterinary sector could result in more judicious antibiotic use on these farms.

Self-medication with antibiotics among patients attending a Malaysian primary care clinic: a preliminary study

Background: Research on self-medication with antibiotic in Malaysian primary care clinics are limited. This study aimed to assess the practice of self-medication with antibiotic, self-recognized complaints to self-medicate, antibiotic knowledge, attitudes towards antibiotic and potential association to self-medicate in a primary care clinic.Methods: This was a community-based pilot study using a self-administered questionnaire among 281 respondents. Chi square test and independent T test were performed to identify potential associations to self-medication.Results: The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotic was 13.3%. The most common complain to self-medicate was for upper respiratory tract infection (58.8%). Majority of them were able to self-purchased antibiotics (55.9%). 70.6% of respondents who SMA understood that overuse of antibiotic results in antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, antibiotic knowledge among respondents who self-medicate was higher (6.50±1.93) compared to those who did not (5.85±2.46) albeit not statistically significant. However, respondents who self-medicate had poorer attitude towards antibiotic compared to those who did not and this was statistically significant, t (254)=0-4.25, p=0.0001. 95% CI (-4.653, 1.709). This includes keeping antibiotics at home and using leftover antibiotics for respiratory illness.Conclusions: Self-medication with antibiotic in this population is low. Inappropriate attitude towards antibiotic is associated with self-medication with antibiotic. Antibiotic campaigns should focus on improving the community’s attitude towards antibiotic especially pertaining to educating the public against keeping antibiotic at home and using leftover antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infection. The findings demonstrated the need and feasibility of the study protocol for future research.

Assessment of knowledge, perception and attitude towards antibiotic resistance among medical interns in Saudi Arabia

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a well-established medical fact that affects the clinical course of many infections. There are many risk factors that can contribute to antibiotic resistance clinically. Therefore, it is important to understand the attitude and practice of medical practitioners from their early life career.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive online study that was done between February and March 2018 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The included participants were medical interns only excluding all other medical students. The questionnaire is made up of four dimensions: Socio-demographic characteristics, antibiotics knowledge, attitude, and perception towards prescribing antibiotics. The questionnaire utilized from a previously validated questionnaire regarding antibiotic use, and the data was analyzed using SPSS, version 21. Results: A total of 292 medical interns completed the questionnaire. Majority of Interns reported that too many antibiotic prescriptions were important contributor to antibiotic resistance. Surprisingly, 55.6% felt that hand hygiene had low importance or was not important at all in compacting antibiotic resistance. Only half of respondents (51%) were sure that their hospitals had antibiotic guidelines, and only 21% of them had acknowledged reading the guidelines or been shown where the hospital’s antibiotic guidelines were kept. The majority of the interns (90.6%) believed that antibiotic resistance is a national problem in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: There is a noticeable gap between the theoretical part of students’ curricula and clinical practice; students require more education regarding antibiotic prescription, especially about choosing the correct antibiotics, doses, and intervals.