scholarly journals Public knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use and resistance in Singapore: a cross-sectional population survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e048157
Author(s):  
Jane M Lim ◽  
Minh Cam Duong ◽  
Alex R Cook ◽  
Li Yang Hsu ◽  
Clarence C Tam

ObjectivesThe WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) includes increasing overall public awareness of appropriate antibiotic use and resistance as a key priority area. We aimed to measure public knowledge, attitudes and practices of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Singapore, as well as their healthcare-seeking behaviours relating to respiratory illnesses, providing baseline data against which to measure the progress of future interventions.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThe general population in Singapore.ParticipantsBetween May and June 2019, we conducted a survey via an online panel in Singapore with 706 respondents.ResultsOur findings indicated common misconceptions surrounding antibiotic effectiveness and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance—most participants thought that resistance occurs when our bodies become resistant to antibiotics (62.5%) or when antibiotics become less powerful (48.5%). In multivariable analyses, better knowledge scores were associated with more favourable antibiotic attitudes (β=0.29; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.37). In addition, more favourable attitude scores were associated with lower odds of both expecting (OR: 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99) and being prescribed antibiotics by a primary care doctor (OR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.90).ConclusionsThis study presents important information about population perceptions towards antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Singapore. Results from this study emphasise the importance of effective public communication strategies to promote responsible antibiotic use locally and should be used to inform future implementation of programmes and activities as laid out in Singapore’s National Strategic Action Plan on AMR.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Jimah ◽  
Ama P. Fenny ◽  
Oladele Ogunseitan

Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance is a major contributing factor to global morbidity and mortality and is associated with inappropriate medication use. However, the level of antibiotic consumption and knowledge about antibiotic resistance in Ghana is inadequately quantified. Our study identifies strategies for improved stewardship of antibiotics to prevent the proliferation of resistant pathogens by assessing the level of antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviors by region, gender, age, and education in rural and urban Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 communities in the urban Greater Accra and rural Upper West regions of Ghana. A questionnaire survey was administered to 400 individuals aged 18 years and older in selected locations during September-October 2018 to gather data on individual knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the association between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and related behaviors. Results Over 30% (125/400) had not received a doctor’s prescription during their last illness. Seventy percent (278/400) had taken at least one antibiotic in the year prior to the survey. The top five frequently used antibiotics were Amoxicillin , Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid , Ampicillin , Ciprofloxacin , and Metronidazole . Women and older adults had higher knowledge compared to their respective counterparts (p<0.01). Furthermore, prudent antibiotic use was significantly more prevalent in women than men (p<0.05). Although no regional differences were found in overall knowledge, compared to urban residents, individuals residing in rural settings exhibited higher knowledge about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for viruses like the cold and HIV/AIDS (p<0.001). Two hundred and fifty-two (63%) respondents were unaware of antibiotic resistance. There was generally a low level of self-efficacy among participants regarding their role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Conclusion Antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and use varied significantly across demographics, suggesting a context-specific approach to developing effective community interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Jimah ◽  
Ama P. Fenny ◽  
Oladele Ogunseitan

Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance is a major contributing factor to global morbidity and mortality and is associated with inappropriate medication use. However, the level of antibiotic consumption and knowledge about antibiotic resistance in Ghana is inadequately quantified. Our study identifies strategies for improved stewardship of antibiotics to prevent the proliferation of resistant pathogens by assessing the level of antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviors by region, gender, age, and education in rural and urban Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 communities in the urban Greater Accra and rural Upper West regions of Ghana. A questionnaire survey was administered to 400 individuals aged 18 years and older in selected locations during September-October 2018 to collect data on individual knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the association between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and related behaviors. Results Over 30% (125/400) had not received a doctor’s prescription during their last illness. Seventy percent (278/400) had taken at least one antibiotic in the year prior to the survey. The top five frequently used antibiotics were Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, and Metronidazole. Women and older adults had higher knowledge compared to their respective counterparts (p<0.01). Furthermore, prudent antibiotic use was significantly more prevalent in women than men (p<0.05). Although no regional differences were found in overall knowledge, compared to urban residents, individuals residing in rural settings exhibited higher knowledge about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for viruses like the cold and HIV/AIDS (p<0.001). Two hundred and fifty-two (63%) respondents were unaware of antibiotic resistance. There was generally a low level of self-efficacy among participants regarding their role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Conclusion Antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and use varied significantly across demographics, suggesting a context-specific approach to developing effective community interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Mingjie Lim ◽  
Pheak Chhoun ◽  
Sovannary Tuot ◽  
Chhorvoin Om ◽  
Sidonn Krang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance includes as a priority to increase public education surrounding antibiotic use and resistance. Monitoring population-level antibiotic behaviours is crucial for informing intervention strategies, but data from a broad range of settings, particularly lower-resourced countries, are lacking. Objectives We measured public knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Cambodia, providing baseline information against which to monitor the progress of future interventions. Methods Between September and October 2018, we conducted a household survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use in urban and rural populations of three Cambodian provinces: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Prey Veng. Response rates were respectively 79%, 86% and 86%. Results Among the 2005 participants, we found high levels of awareness of terms relating to antibiotics (86.5%) and antibiotic resistance; most participants also recognized that antibiotic resistance is a problem (58.4%). However, few understood that antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections (1.2%). We also found province-specific differences in participants’ sources of antibiotics and their sources of AMR-related information. In regression analyses, more favourable antibiotic practice scores were associated with higher knowledge (β = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.14–0.22) and attitude (β = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.11–0.22) scores, as well as trust in healthcare sources to obtain antibiotics and antibiotic information. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of interventions and public communication on antibiotic use and resistance that is effectively targeted to the local context through trusted healthcare providers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 96-101
Author(s):  
Satish Kumar Deo ◽  
Sita Rijal ◽  
Tulza K.C

Background: Antibiotics are considered to be among the most commonly sold drug classes globally. Antibiotic resistance is a recognized public health issue at the local, national and global levels.Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify awareness of general public regarding the use and resistance of antibiotics.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Kathmandu in November 2016 using a quantitative questionnaire among 120 adult people aged 20–60 years. Convenience sampling method was used and information on use of antibiotics and resistance was obtained using semi-structured questionnaire through interview method. Descriptive statistics was done to describe the respondent’s level of awareness regarding use of antibiotics and resistance.Results: Among the total respondents, majority had incorrect awareness as regards to action, reasons for using antibiotics, possible side effects of the antibiotic. Seventy one percent of the respondents had not heard about antibiotic resistance. The study finding showed that about 66.7% of the participants had inadequate awareness towards use and resistance of antibiotics.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the overall awareness on antibiotic use and resistance is poorly understood among our respondents. This information can be utilized in future educational and antibiotic resistance awareness raising campaigns.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0233668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arina Anis Azlan ◽  
Mohammad Rezal Hamzah ◽  
Tham Jen Sern ◽  
Suffian Hadi Ayub ◽  
Emma Mohamad

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 332
Author(s):  
Lorraine Chapot ◽  
Md Samun Sarker ◽  
Ruhena Begum ◽  
Delower Hossain ◽  
Rahima Akter ◽  
...  

The use of antibiotics in animals for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes is a major driver of the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While several studies have investigated prescription and consumption patterns in humans, little attention has been paid to the veterinary sector. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3002 veterinary students (VS) and non-medical students (NMS) from 12 universities in Bangladesh to explore their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) about antibiotics and AMR using a self-administered questionnaire, and assess the influence of the veterinary curriculum. KAP regarding antibiotic use and AMR was significantly higher in veterinary than non-medical students, and in first-year than final-year students. However, gaps in knowledge and practices were highlighted, suggesting deficiencies in training. Moreover, final-year veterinary students were found to be more likely than first-year students to use antibiotics without instructions, which could indicate deficiencies in their curriculum. Although the study suggested a positive impact of the veterinary curriculum on KAP about antibiotics and AMR in Bangladesh, critical gaps remain that are likely to contribute to inadequate use in their future practice. Therefore, there is scope for improving educational programs on AMR in professional curricula.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-43
Author(s):  
Maliha Shoukat ◽  
Muhammad Hussain ◽  
Kousar Perveen ◽  
Muhammad Afzal ◽  
Muhammad Saghir

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine nurses' current knowledge, attitudes and practices towards pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions monitoring and reporting. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The target population 154 nurses who work in Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. The sample size was calculated by the “World Health Organization” online sample size calculator. A well-structured questionnaire on adverse drug reactions reporting was used for data collection. The data was analysed by using SPSS version 25. The Pearson correlation test used to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding adverse drug reactions. Pearson correlation at p <0.05 consider as significant. The study results display in tables and charts. Findings: The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards Pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions and reporting. 56.5% of nurses had a concept of pharmacovigilance. The 39.6% know the voluntary reporting system of adverse drug reaction. Only 36.4% nurses responded agree for policies and procedures should be developed for monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reaction. Unique Contribution To Theory, Practice And Policy: This study is a way of improving pharmacovigilance programs in the country, public awareness on reporting. This could be done to improve practice by advertising and encouraging patients to self-reporting to their nearest health facility. Public awareness could be done through social media. The responsible regulatory authority, with assistance from other relevant stakeholders, should design the reporting forms and make them easily available and accessible so that the public may use them for reporting adverse drug reaction. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Nurses, Adverse Drug Reactions, Pharmacovigilance


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117955651986933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose L Paredes ◽  
Rafaella Navarro ◽  
Maribel Riveros ◽  
Veronica Picon ◽  
Francisco Conde ◽  
...  

In pediatric patients, the antibiotic use is affected by parental beliefs and practices; especially in countries where it is possible to acquire them without prescription. This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotic use among parents of children from urban and peri-urban health care centers in Lima. A cross-sectional study was performed at 1 urban and 2 peri-urban health care centers selected in Lima, Perú. Parents of children below the age of 3 years answered a knowledge-attitudes-practices-validated questionnaire about antibiotic use and were categorized as high, moderate, and low knowledge regarding antibiotics. We analyzed potential determinants for low knowledge and having medicated their children with unprescribed antibiotics using bivariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 224 parents were enrolled, and 8% were categorized as low knowledge. Half of the parents could not recognize that antibiotics cannot cure viral infections, 59.4% disagreed with “antibiotics speed up recovery from a cold,” and 53.2% stored antibiotics at home. Remarkably 23.5% of parents reported having medicated their children with antibiotics without prescription, which was associated with belonging to the peri-urban health care center, use of antibiotics by their children in the last 12 months, and having purchased antibiotics without physicians’ prescription. An alarming overuse of antibiotics without prescription was described among children below the age of 3 years. Educational interventions, addressing parental attitudes and practices, and health policies should be developed to limit inappropriate antibiotic use especially in peri-urban communities.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document