scholarly journals Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic usage: a cross-sectional study among the general public in the state of Penang, Malaysia

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (05) ◽  
pp. 338-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai Ling Oh ◽  
Mohamed Azmi Hassali ◽  
Mahmoud Sadi Al-Haddad ◽  
Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman ◽  
Asrul Akmal Shafie ◽  
...  

Introduction: Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics play a vital role in the success of the treatment process. This study aimed to assess public knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic usage which could serve as baseline data for future studies within a government hospital setting in Malaysia. Methodology: A self-administered cross-sectional survey involving 408 respondents was conducted using a validated questionnaire at an outpatient pharmacy department in Penang Hospital, Malaysia, from February to March 2009. Results: Nearly 55% of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge. Three quarters of the respondents (76.7%) could correctly identify that antibiotics are indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, 67.2% incorrectly thought that antibiotics are also used to treat viral infections. About 59.1% of the respondents were aware of antibiotic resistance phenomena in relation to overuse of antibiotics. With regard to attitudes, 38% believed that taking antibiotics when having cold symptoms could help them to recover faster, while 47.3% expected antibiotics to be prescribed for common cold symptoms. Age, race and educational level were among the demographic characteristics significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic use. Poor level of knowledge was found in less than one-third of the respondents whereas more than one-third of the respondents wrongly self-medicate themselves with antibiotics once they have a cold. Conclusion: Educational interventions are needed to promote prudent use of antibiotics among the public.

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Faisal Zaidi ◽  
Rakan Alotaibi ◽  
Abdulaziz Nagro ◽  
Muath Alsalmi ◽  
Hidaya Almansouri ◽  
...  

Introduction: Knowledge and attitudes towards proper antibiotic usage among students in medical and other health allied fields play a vital role in limiting the pandemic of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic usage among pre-professional students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences on Jeddah Campus, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey of 347 first year students was conducted at the College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences using a validated questionnaire. Results: Nearly 63% of the students had a moderate level of knowledge. Two third of the students (69.7%) correctly knew that antibiotics are indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, about 36% of the students incorrectly thought that antibiotics are also used to treat viral infections, while 28.5% were not sure. Only 38.8% of the students were aware of antibiotic resistance phenomena in relation to the overuse of antibiotics. Furthermore, only 27.3% correctly knew that penicillin is an antibiotic, and 74.4% were not sure if Paracetamol is an antibiotic. With regard to attitudes, 25.7% believed that taking antibiotics when having cold symptoms could help them to recover faster, while 39.6% expected antibiotics to be prescribed for common cold symptoms. Conclusion: The students have misconception regarding antibiotic use indications. Therefore, awareness campaigns are needed to promote student’s use of antibiotics in young generations particularly among the pre-professional health sciences students.


Author(s):  
Akshata Mane ◽  
Shweta Kamat ◽  
Harish Thanusubramanian

Introduction: Increasing awareness and practice of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) has gained immense importance in Indian hospitals for preventing the irrational use of antibiotics. India is one of the world’s largest consumers for antibiotics. Assessment of the local Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and AMS among Healthcare Providers (HCPs) will help in designing effective public health policies and engaging the community in campaigns against increasing microbial resistance. Aim: To understand the status of AMS programs and practices in five private sector multispecialty hospitals situated in the East, West, North and South zones of the country and to assess the KAP of HCPs regarding AMR and AMS. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the implementation of AMS in five hospitals among clinicians, nurses and pharmacists across India using a predeveloped AMS checklist between June 2019 and October 2019. The analysis was done between July and August 2020. Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale, with choices ranging from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’.Descriptive analysis was done for the KAP survey to determine the percentages of participants under each response category. Results: Total 32 clinicians, 55 nurses and eight pharmacists responded to the KAP survey (100% response rate). The clinicians were aware that AMR is caused by irrational prescribing of antimicrobials (n=31, 96.87%) and improper diagnosis of infective conditions (n=27, 84.37%). However, knowledge of clinicians on infection control practices (n=6, 18.75% disagreed) in controlling AMR and practice of referring local epidemiology before prescribing antimicrobials (n=7, 21.87% did not follow routinely) could be improved. The knowledge and practice of nurses and pharmacists on antibiotic use were spread over a wide range. According to the nurses, AMR was mainly caused by using antimicrobials for non bacterial infections (n=30, 54.54%) and deviations from their standard duration (~63.64%-72.73%). As per pharmacists, the lack of restrictions on antimicrobial usage and widespread use or overuse of antibiotics were major contributors to AMR (n=3, 37.5% strongly agreed). Both nurses and pharmacists could benefit from reinforced training on antibiotic usage. Conclusion: Implementation of AMS was not adequate in private Indian hospitals. Although clinicians have good knowledge on antibiotic use, it was not equally reflected in their practice. The KAP data of nurses and pharmacists suggest that training and education on appropriate antibiotic usage should be emphasised. More efforts are required to improve AMS practices in hospitals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Keogh ◽  
Wing Ting To ◽  
Louise Daly ◽  
Geralyn Hynes ◽  
Siobhan Kennelly ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Little is known about staff’s attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The aim of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. This data was required to plan and deliver general and targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of dementia throughout the acute services. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants’ perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant’s attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used. Results Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both ‘having previous dementia training’ and ‘having a relative living with dementia’ predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Conclusion This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.


Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Syed Faisal Zaidi ◽  
Muhannad Wael Baroom ◽  
Adil Ibrahim Hanbashi ◽  
Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alkhaibari ◽  
Ahmed Omar Yahya ◽  
...  

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a threatening issue to human wellbeing and an obstacle in the treatment process of many life-threating illnesses. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic usage among the general population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey of 460 participants was distributed among the general population in Jeddah in the form of a validated questionnaire. Sample size was calculated to be 460 adults of either gender. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: the age of more than half of participants (55.6%) was 18–30 years old, followed by the age group 31–40 years old (26.6%), with the smallest age group >60 years old (1.9%). More than two thirds of participants were male (69.5%), while 131 were female, accounting for 30.5%. Almost one third of participants had poor knowledge about antibiotics (30.5%), 51.0% had used antibiotics without any prescriptions, 54.6% of participants thought antibiotics could be used to treat viral infections, and 55.1% thought it was acceptable to stop taking antibiotics if symptoms start to improve. In addition, 49% believed that taking antibiotics would help them get better more rapidly when suffering from the common cold. Some personal characteristics were significantly associated with the public’s knowledge (e.g., age, education, and monthly income) and their attitudes (e.g., monthly income). Conclusion: Findings revealed a low level of knowledge on the use of antibiotics among the general public in Jeddah. This study signifies the need for improvement in the public’s knowledge and enhancement of their attitudes toward proper utilization of antibiotics.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Keogh ◽  
Wing Ting To ◽  
Louise Daly ◽  
Geralyn Hynes ◽  
Siobhan Kennelly ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Little is known about staff’s attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The aim of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. This data was required to plan and deliver general and targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of dementia throughout the acute services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants’ perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant’s attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used. Results: Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both ‘having previous dementia training’ and ‘having a relative living with dementia’ predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Conclusion: This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Keogh ◽  
Wing Ting To ◽  
Louise Daly ◽  
Geralyn Hynes ◽  
Siobhan Kennelly ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Little is known about staff’s attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The aim objective of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. This data was required to plan and deliver general and targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of dementia throughout the acute services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants’ perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant’s attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used.Results: Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both ‘having previous dementia training’ and ‘having a relative living with dementia’ predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge.Conclusion: This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.


Author(s):  
Pawan Pawar ◽  
Ashwini Bhangale ◽  
Rohan Narwade

Oral cancer is an important aspect of dentistry and should be screened for daily in day to day practice. A systematic cross-sectional survey was conducted. 183 dental students participated in the study by answering a self- administered validated questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of sixteen questions, relating to the knowledge, attitude and practice. The statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson’s chi-square testing.73.8 % of students had accurate overall knowledge regarding Oral Cancer, which was satisfactory. About 32.2% of students claimed to have adequate up-to-date knowledge regarding the prevention and detection of oral cancer. 81.4% students had appropriate attitude towards Oral Cancer. 88% of students employed apposite practice management skills with respect to examining patients for any cancerous lesions and took efforts for counselling the patient. Yet, 97.8% of students demanded additional training regarding identification and prevention of oral cancer.The study suggestively indicated that the dental students have satisfactory knowledge, attitude and are cognizant in examining for symptoms of oral cancer. No significant difference between knowledge /attitude/ practices about oral cancer amongst the three undergraduate years. Additionally, innovative and didactically orientated programmes should be reinforced to upsurge awareness which will aid in timely detection.The main objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, practice concerning oral cancer amongst undergraduate dental students of Maharashtra Institute of Dental Sciences & Research Dental College, Latur, Maharashtra, India. Key-words: Attitude, Dental students, Knowledge, Oral cancer, Practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Keogh ◽  
Wing Ting To ◽  
Louise Daly ◽  
Geralyn Hynes ◽  
Siobhan Kennelly ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Little is known about staff’s attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The aim of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. This data was required to plan and deliver general and targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of dementia throughout the acute services.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants’ perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant’s attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used.Results: Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both ‘having previous dementia training’ and ‘having a relative living with dementia’ predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge.Conclusion: This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuma Gosha Kanfe ◽  
Nebyu Demeke Mengiste ◽  
Mohammedjud Hassen Ahmed ◽  
Gebiso Roba Debele ◽  
Berhanu Fikadie Endehabtu

BACKGROUND Evidence based practice is a key to increase effectiveness and efficiency of quality health services. To achieve this, utilization of health facility data (DHIS2 data) is required which is determined by knowledge and attitudes of health professionals. Thus, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes of health professionals to use DHIS2 data for decision making. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and its associated factors among health professionals to use DHIS2 data for decision making at South west of Ethiopia 2020 METHODS Cross sectional quantitative study methods was conducted to assess Knowledge and Attitudes of health professionals to use DHIS2 data. A total of 264 participants were approached. SPSS version 22 software was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive and analytical statistics including Bivariable and Multivariable analyses was done RESULTS Overall 130(49.2%) of the respondents had good knowledge to use DHIS2 data (95% CI: [43, 55.3]), whereas over 149 (56.4%) of the respondents had favorable attitudes towards the use of DHIS2 data for decision making purpose (95% CI: [53.2, 59.8]). Skills [AOR=2.20,95% CI:(1.16, 4.19)], Age [AOR= 1.92, 95% CI: (1.03, 3.59)] ,Resources[AOR=2.56, 95% CI:(1.35,4.86)], Staffing[AOR= 2.85, 95% CI : (1.49, 5.48)] and Experiences[AOR= 4.66, 95% CI: (1.94, 5.78)] were variables associated with knowledge to use DHIS2 data whereas Training [AOR= 5.59, 95% CI: (2.48, 5.42)], Feedback [AOR= 4.08, 95% CI: (1.87, 8.91)], Motivation [AOR=2.87, 95% CI: (1.36, 6.06)] and Health need [AOR=2.32, 95% CI: (1.10-4.92)] were variables associated with attitudes of health professionals to use DHIS2 data CONCLUSIONS In general, about half of the study participants had good knowledge of DHIS2 data utilization whereas more than half of respondents had favorable attitudes. Skills, resources, ages, staffing and experiences were the most determinant factors for the knowledge to use DHIS2 data whereas health need, motivation, feedback and training were determinant factors for attitudes to use DHIS2 data


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