Assessing knowledge, practices, use and raising awareness of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among dental patients before and after educational sessions

Abstract Objectives: Education and awareness-raising are global health policy tools to modify public behavior towards antibiotic resistance. Considering the high frequency of antibiotic use and self-medication in Egypt, together with the lack of an awareness agenda, our objectives were to assess the knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use and resistance among patients attending dental clinics, and to evaluate the changes in knowledge following a specially designed one to one educational session. Methodology: A convenience sample of 310 dental patients participated in this study. A modified questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use and resistance. Second-year dental students were trained to administer the questionnaire and to use the educational materials they designed to raise awareness. Following the education session, patients completed another similar questionnaire to assess the changes in their knowledge. Results: Increasing awareness of antibiotic resistance can be an effective way to address the antibiotic resistance crisis. More than half of the participants (55.6%) did not know whether antibiotics treat diseases caused by bacterial or viral infections. The majority of participants (85.5%) had taken antibiotics during the last year, and (50.5%) of them had taken the same antibiotic more than once. Higher educational levels of the participants were significantly associated with a higher level of knowledge. Statistically significant increases in the percentages of correct answers to all questions were observed after the educational session. Conclusion: The one to one educational session is an effective approach to address the antibiotic resistance crisis. Keywords Antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance, knowledge, practices, dental patients, awareness and education, SDGs.

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SARS-Cov-2 and drug shortages- Trends and lessons from a Caribbean perspective

Caribbean Medical Journal ◽

10.48107/cmj.2020.11.002 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Satish Jankie ◽

Shalini Pooransingh ◽

Arlene Stuart ◽

Lexley Pinto-Pereira

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

General Level ◽

Normal Flora ◽

Tertiary Referral ◽

Self Medication ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Aim and Objectives To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards antibiotic use among patients attending a tertiary referral urology unit in south Trinidad. We aimed to investigate the general level of awareness of antibiotics as well as identify patterns of antibiotic misuse which could potentially lead to antibiotic resistance. Results 150 patients were evaluated. Most patients (75.5%) were aware that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. 57.9% also believed that antibiotics may be used to treat viral infections. 48.4% were aware of the potential deleterious effects of antibiotics on the body’s normal flora while 78% were aware of the concept of antibiotic resistance. 28.9% reported using antibiotics without a prescription. Overall, 23.3% reported having done so for a fever or cold while 12.6% did so for urinary symptoms. 68 persons (42.8%) stopped their antibiotics prior to completion of the course duration with most (76.5%) indicating that they did so because they felt better. Conclusion This study demonstrates that while most patients were aware of issues surrounding the use of antibiotics, a significant percentage still harboured several misconceptions. Also, high rates of self-medication with antibiotics were noted, among several worrying patterns of usage.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Antibiotic Use Among Patients at a Tertiary Urology Centre in Trinidad and Tobago

Caribbean Medical Journal ◽

10.48107/cmj.2020.11.003 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Satyendra Persaud ◽

◽

Rajendra Sukhraj ◽

Lester Goetz ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

General Level ◽

Normal Flora ◽

Tertiary Referral ◽

Self Medication ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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A UK-based survey of cat owners’ perceptions and experiences of antibiotic usage

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x19826353 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 69-76 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer Stallwood ◽

Alex Shirlow ◽

Angie Hibbert

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Antibiotic Stewardship ◽

Diagnostic Tests ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Good Communication ◽

Long Acting ◽

Veterinary Antibiotic

Objectives The aim of this study was to explore owners’ knowledge of antibiotics, experience of antibiotic use in their cats and involvement in decision-making regarding antibiotic prescriptions. Methods Cat owners were recruited via social media and veterinary practices to complete a survey designed to evaluate general knowledge of antibiotics, attitudes to antibiotic stewardship and experiences of antibiotic use in their own cat between November 2017 and March 2018. Data were analysed descriptively. Results A total of 1436 surveys were completed; 247 respondents (17.2%) had a veterinary background. The majority of the remaining respondents correctly identified that antibiotics treat bacterial infections (84.0%; n = 999) but do not treat viral infections (72.8%; n = 865). A minority (n = 338; 28.4%) agreed that antibiotic resistance was a problem in cats in the UK; 92.3% (n = 1097) identified that resistance was a problem in human medicine. Seventy percent (n = 832) of the respondents’ cats had received antibiotics; 29.6% (n = 246) received a long-acting injectable antibiotic (14 days’ duration). Diagnostic tests were performed before antibiotic prescription in 38.7% (n = 322) of cats; 1.4% (n = 7) of respondents reported declining suggested tests and 65.8% (n = 778) indicated that they would be happy to pay for diagnostic tests to allow selection of the most appropriate antibiotic. Most respondents (95.8%; n = 792) indicated that they were happy to follow their veterinarian’s advice and recommendations; however, 49.2% (n = 405) had expected antibiotics to be prescribed. Conclusions and relevance Cat owners demonstrated good knowledge of antibiotic action; however, greater owner education regarding the potential for veterinary antibiotic resistance, requirement for diagnostic testing and training in the administration of oral medication with first-line antibiotics, as well as the use of veterinary antibiotic guidelines, will improve antibiotic stewardship. Good communication between veterinarians and owners is necessary for rational antibiotic use.

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Knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic usage behavior among the people of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research ◽

10.3329/ajmbr.v6i3.49803 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 519-524

Author(s):

Iftekhar Ahmed ◽

Md Bodiuzzaman Rabbi ◽

Marufa Rahman ◽

Rehnuma Tanjin ◽

Sharmin Jahan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Antibiotic Usage ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The People ◽

Usage Behavior ◽

Educational Campaigns ◽

Adherence To Therapy

Bangladesh is a developing country with a very high prevalence of antibiotic resistance where irrational use of antibiotics is very common. This cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic usage behavior (Antibiotic use, self-medication, adherence to therapy) among the people of Bangladesh. The association between participants’ knowledge of antibiotics and their antibiotic usage behavior was also analyzed. A cross-sectional survey based on a structured questionnaire was conducted in the Dhaka district. The questionnaire included questions about demographic information, participants’ knowledge of antibiotics, and their recent antibiotic usage. The data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. Very few participants knew that antibiotics are not effective against most common colds (16.8%), viruses (22.5%), and pains (41.7%). Most respondents (>75%) knew that excessive use of antibiotics and failing to complete a course may render antibiotics less effective in the future. However, only 56.1% were aware of antibiotic resistance. About half (46.6%) of the participants took antibiotics in the last six months, 20.5% of whom resorted to self-medication and 23.1% reported non-adherence to therapy. Greater knowledge of antibiotics was significantly associated with lower rates of self-medication (p=0.037). Misconceptions about antibiotics and antibiotic misuse are very common in Bangladesh. The findings suggest that misconceptions about antibiotics and antibiotic misuse are very common in Bangladesh. To mitigate these problems, interventions comprised of educational campaigns and redesigning of the healthcare system and policies should be undertaken. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2020, 6(3): 519-524

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Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance: Public Awareness Survey in the Republic of Cyprus

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics9110759 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 759

Author(s):

Mikaela Michaelidou ◽

Spyridon A. Karageorgos ◽

Constantinos Tsioutis

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

World Health ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

Local Evidence

We aimed to assess the knowledge and understanding of antibiotic use and resistance in the general population of Cyprus, in order to inform future antibiotic awareness campaigns with local evidence. Cross-sectional survey following the methodology of the “Antibiotic resistance: Multi-country public awareness survey” of the World Health Organization, during December 2019–January 2020. A total of 614 respondents participated: 64.3% were female and most were aged 35–44 years (33.2%) or 25–34 years (31.8%). One-third had used antibiotics >1 year ago and 91.6% reported receiving advice on appropriate use from a medical professional. Despite high awareness on correct use of antibiotics, lack of knowledge was noted for specific indications, where approximately one-third believed that viral infections respond to antibiotics and 70.7% lack understanding of how antibiotic resistance develops. Higher education graduates exhibited significantly higher knowledge rates. As high as 72.3% were informed about “antibiotic resistant bacteria” from healthcare professionals or social media. Most agreed on the usefulness of most suggested actions to address antibiotic resistance, with higher proportions acknowledging the role of prescribers. Up to 47% could not identify their role in decreasing antibiotic resistance. Our study provides local evidence to inform future efforts in a country characterized by high antibiotic consumption rates.

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Public Awareness and Practices towards Self-Medication with Antibiotics among the Malaysian Population. A Development of Questionnaire and Pilot-Testing

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics9020097 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 97 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Adeel Aslam ◽

Márió Gajdács ◽

Che Suraya Zin ◽

Norny Syafinaz Binti Abd Rahman ◽

Syed Imran Ahmed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Content Validity ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Self Medication ◽

Malaysian Population ◽

Validity Indices ◽

Level Of Knowledge

It is well documented that injudicious antibiotic use and practicing self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) can lead to antibiotic resistance. The objective was to validate and develop an instrument in Bahasa Melayu to assess the awareness and practices towards SMA in the Malaysian population. A pilot study was conducted among 100 Malaysians participants. Reliability testing in terms of test-retest, internal consistency, and content validity was performed. One-way ANOVA and t-test were applied to determine significant differences between groups. A panel of nine experts evaluated the research instrument for content validity and it was found to have strong content item validity (Indices = 1). Each domain (level of knowledge and understanding about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance: Practice towards self-medication) showed good internal consistency of Cronbach’s alpha 0.658 and 0.90. While test-retest reliability value for each domain was 0.773 (p = 0.009), and 0.891 (p = 0.001. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) for level of knowledge about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance was 21.8 ± 7.02 and for practice scores (SMA) 6.03 ± 2.30. The instrument established sound reliability and validity and, therefore, can be an effective tool for assessing public awareness, and practices toward self-medication with antibiotics in the Malaysian population.

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Awareness of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance amongst dental students

Brazilian Dental Science ◽

10.14295/bds.2021.v24i3.2470 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Khaloud Tariq ◽

Muhammad Hassan ◽

Mehreen Wajahat ◽

Nadia Muneer ◽

Eisha Imran

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Dental Students ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prescription Practices ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Knowledge And Attitude

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most threatening public health problems of 20th century. Along with physicians, dental practitioners also routinely prescribe medications for oral and dental infections. However, previous studies have shown that dental surgeons often prescribe antibiotics where new evidence have suggested other treatment measures. Since students in their clinical year prescribe antibiotics under supervision, it is important to understand if they are aware of severity of antibiotic resistance and its impact. Hence, the study aimed to assess awareness of antibiotic use and resistance amongst dental students. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 3rd and 4th year dental students of 4 colleges of Pakistan. A validated questionnaire was adopted from WHO and PHE (Public Health England). It included true or false and Likert scale questions relating to knowledge and attitude of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Results: Out of 396 responses, majority students were not aware of the terms superbugs (69.7%) and AMR (79%). 89.6% thought that humans can become resistant to antibiotics. 88.6% agreed that antibiotic resistance is a major threat. 61.4% thought they couldn’t do much to stop antibiotic resistance. 87.6% agreed that doctors should only prescribe antibiotics when needed. Conclusion: Overall dental students were aware of antibiotic use and importance of antibiotic resistance although their knowledge associated with antibiotic resistance was not satisfactory. It is vital that students must be taught about mechanism of antibiotic resistance and good prescription practices. Keywords Antibiotic resistance; Knowledge; Attitude; Dental students.

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Low Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance and High Level of Antibiotic Consumption in Rural China: Interdisciplinary Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-249016/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Debin Wang ◽

Xinrong Shen ◽

Jing Chai ◽

Jing Cheng ◽

Rui Feng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Rural China ◽

Bacterial Pathogens ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Electronic Patient Records ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Self Medication ◽

Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Background: We tested the feasibility of determining the prevalence and epidemiology of antibiotic resistance in rural China and investigated patterns and drivers of antibiotic use for common respiratory and urinary tract infections (RTI/UTI). Methods: (i) Observations and exit interviews in eight village clinics and township health centres and 15 retail pharmacies; (ii) Urine, throat swab and sputum samples from patients to identify potential pathogens and test susceptibility; (iii) 103 semi-structured interviews with doctors, patients, pharmacy workers and antibiotic-purchasing customers; (iv) Assessment of completeness and accuracy of electronic patient records through comparison with observational data. Results: 87.9% of 1123 recruited patients were prescribed antibiotics, most of whom had RTIs. Antibiotic prescribing for RTIs was not associated with presence of bacterial pathogens but with longer duration of infection (OR=3.33) and presence of sore throat (OR=1.64). Fever strongly predicted prescription of intravenous antibiotics (OR=2.87). Resistance rates in bacterial pathogens isolated were low compared with national data. 25.8% of patients reported antibiotics use pre-clinic visit. Only 56.2% of clinic patients and 53% of pharmacy customers could confirm their prescription included antibiotics. Diagnostic uncertainty, economic need, understanding of antibiotics as anti-inflammatory and limited doctor-patient communication were identified as drivers of antibiotic use. Completion and accuracy of e-records was variable. Conclusions: Despite high levels of antibiotic prescribing and self-medication, prevalence of antibiotic resistance in this rural population is currently relatively low. More systematic use of e-records could improve antibiotic surveillance in rural facilities.

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1637. Antibiotic Use in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Insights From Patient Interviews in Sri Lanka

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1501 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S597-S597

Author(s):

David T van Melle ◽

Guus H A ten Asbroek ◽

Sky Vanderburg ◽

Yohana W Abeysinghe ◽

Chathurangi Halloluwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Lower Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Self Medication ◽

Disease Etiology ◽

Inappropriate Use ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance is an emerging global public health threat with inappropriate use of antibiotics as one of the major drivers. In Sri Lanka, antibiotic consumption is increasing, while little is known about how patients perceive antibiotics. We conducted a qualitative study to better understand patients’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward antibiotics. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the local language (Sinhala) and audio recorded for 18 patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) admitted to a large, public tertiary care hospital in southern Sri Lanka. Interviews were transcribed and then translated into English. Translated interviews were analyzed for themes regarding care-seeking behavior, patients’ knowledge of disease etiology and treatment of LRTI. Results Almost all patients mentioned multiple care visits and polypharmacy prior to admission. When seeking care, patients mainly focused on finding a quick cure, mostly by visiting several different private physicians. However, self-medication was also common. Patients reused prescriptions for antibiotics, kept antibiotics for later use after prematurely stopping their course of treatment and bought antibiotics over-the-counter. Patients’ knowledge of disease etiology and antibiotics was poor. Most patients described non-microbial causes such as exposure to dust and cold weather for their illness. Only a few patients were aware of antibiotic resistance. Despite the desire to receive more information regarding disease and treatment, transfer of information between patients and physicians was limited and mainly confined to prescription instructions. Conclusion This qualitative study in Sri Lanka suggests inappropriate use of antibiotics is a multifactorial problem. Patients’ poor knowledge of disease and treatment, poor information transfer between physicians and patients, high demand for medicines, overprescribing by physicians, and self-medication were found as possible obstructive factors to improve antibiotic usage. To improve antibiotic use, a multifaceted approach is needed with improvement of awareness by patients, public, and physicians regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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The Knowledge on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among Polish medical students

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.517 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

T Sobierajski ◽

M Wanke-Rytt ◽

B Mazińska ◽

K Karpierz ◽

W Hryniewicz

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Medical Students ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Medical University ◽

Future Education

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to public health worldwide, compromising ability to treat infections. Medical students as a future doctors will have an important role to play in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to analyse the knowledge and attitudes of Polish medical students towards antibiotics and AMR. Methods A questionnaire containing 24 questions, on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of antibiotic prescribing and antibiotic resistance was developed. The survey was conducted in May-June 2018 among medical students of Medical University of Warsaw at various years of their studies. Results The study group consisted of 291 students (70% women, 30% men). Forty six of the students had used antibiotics within the previous 12 months. The prevailing reasons for taking an antibiotic were: pharyngitis (25%), bronchitis (12,8%), sore throat (12%), cough (8.3%), pneumonia (7.9%), urinary tract infection (7.6%), cold (6.6%). Ninety-two percent of the respondents considered AMR to be a significant problem, and 7.9% stated it will become in the future. Four percent of respondents believed that antibiotics are effective in treating common cold. The majority of students (83.5%) expressed the opinion that doctors often prescribe an antibiotic without need. Most respondents think that too frequent prescription and low awareness of the consequences of their overuse have an impact on the rise and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The vast majority of respondents (80%) declared that university studies enabled the gaining of a wider knowledge about the use of antibiotics. The vast majority of respondents (92.4%) indicated a willingness to extend their knowledge on antibiotic use. Conclusions Medical students are aware that AMR is a growing problem resulting in diminishing treatment options. The results of the study should be taken into future education programs. Key messages Medical students have a good understanding of the health risk of AMR but consider antibiotics for viral infections. More training on rationale antibiotic use included in the curriculum is warranted.

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