Patients’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 2017

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major public-health problem globally and inappropriate antibiotic use is being increasingly recognised as the main force driving this resistance. Communities can contribute to the reduction of antibiotic resistance by using antibiotics appropriately and as prescribed. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients regarding antibiotic use at a regional hospital in South Africa.Method: An observational analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital between May and June 2017. A validated questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was administered to outpatients. Patients’ responses were scored and categorised as poor or good for knowledge, attitude and practice.Results: A total of 386 patients were interviewed. Only 205 (53%) patients had a good level of knowledge. Although 270 (70%) patients knew that antibiotics are indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections, 211 (55%) patients incorrectly thought that antibiotics are also used to treat viral infections. Only 168 (44%) patients were aware of the resistance associated with overusing antibiotics. With regard to patients’ attitudes, 164 (42%) patients believed that taking antibiotics for the common cold helped them to recover faster and 178 (46%) patients expected the doctor to prescribe more than one antibiotic for a severe cold. Overall, 157 patients (40%) reported having shared antibiotics with friends or family. Patients with good knowledge were six times more likely to have good antibiotic practices (OR 5.8; 95% CI 0.3–10.6; p 0.001).Conclusion: A well-planned education programme for the public should be undertaken to improve the knowledge and uses of antibiotics among patients.

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The prescription pattern and awareness about antibiotic prophylaxis and resistance among a group of Egyptian pediatric and general dentists: a cross sectional study

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01685-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mariam Mohsen Aly ◽

Marwa Aly Elchaghaby

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Antibiotic Prophylaxis ◽

Antibiotic Prescription ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

General Dentists

Abstract Background The use of antibiotics in dentistry as prophylaxis and treatment is frequent. Their misuse has led to a major public health problem globally known as antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess the pattern of antibiotic prescription and its prophylactic use for systemic conditions. Besides, this study evaluated the awareness and adherence to antibiotic prescription guidelines and antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines along with awareness of antibiotic resistance across pediatric and general dentists. Methods An overall of 378 pediatric and general dentists meeting the required eligibility criteria, fulfilled a pre-designed validated questionnaire. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results A significant statistical difference was found among the pediatric and general dentists regarding antibiotics prescription for most of the oral conditions where Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic among the two groups (53% pediatric dentist and 52% general dentist). The majority of pediatric and general dentists, on the other hand, were aware of antibiotic resistance and prescribing recommendations. Conclusions The present study showed a tendency to overprescribe and overuse antibiotics in certain dental conditions among the participants. The vast majority of dentists, especially general dentists do not have adherence to professional guidelines for antibiotics prescription in children despite their awareness of antibiotic resistance and prescription guidelines.

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Antibiotics stewardship in Ghana: a cross-sectional study of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices

10.21203/rs.2.19809/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tamara Jimah ◽

Ama P. Fenny ◽

Oladele Ogunseitan

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Inappropriate Medication ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Antibiotic Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Individual Knowledge ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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.

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Antibiotics stewardship in Ghana: a cross-sectional study of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices among communities.

10.21203/rs.2.19809/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tamara Jimah ◽

Ama P. Fenny ◽

Oladele Ogunseitan

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Inappropriate Medication ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Antibiotic Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Individual Knowledge ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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.

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Public knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding antibiotic use and resistance in Cambodia

JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

10.1093/jacamr/dlaa115 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jane Mingjie Lim ◽

Pheak Chhoun ◽

Sovannary Tuot ◽

Chhorvoin Om ◽

Sidonn Krang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Action Plan ◽

Household Survey ◽

Population Level ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Local Context ◽

Public Knowledge ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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.

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

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048157 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. e048157

Author(s):

Jane M Lim ◽

Minh Cam Duong ◽

Alex R Cook ◽

Li Yang Hsu ◽

Clarence C Tam

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Action Plan ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Primary Care Doctor ◽

Public Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

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.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052753 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2753

Author(s):

Ana Marta-Costa ◽

Carla Miranda ◽

Vanessa Silva ◽

Adriana Silva ◽

Ângela Martins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Survey Design ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Complex Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

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.

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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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Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding various tobacco products and their effects on health and COTPA act among ≥15 years age group persons in urban field practice area of a medical college in Telangana

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20202468 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. 2180

Author(s):

Jyothi Veleshala ◽

Varun Malhotra

Keyword(s):

Tobacco Use ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Medical College ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Supply And Distribution ◽

Almost All

Background: Tobacco use is a major public health problem. The prevalence of tobacco use among men has been reported to be high (generally exceeding 50%) from almost all parts of India. “The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act 2003”, which came into effect since 1st May 2004. Information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of population regarding COTPA is necessary to effectively implement the legislation. Hence the present study was undertaken.Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional community-based survey carried out in urban slums of Nalgonda town. Data was collected using a structured schedule by interviewing 300 participants, aged above 15 years.Results: The current use of any tobacco was reported by 45.7% of the participants. Overall awareness of COTPA was 58.2%. Marital status, type of family, unemployment, Illiterates, lower SES, and age had a significant influence on tobacco use. Television (77.05%) was the major source of awareness regarding COTPA. The majority of smokers were aware of various sections of COTPA (>50%). About 34.8% of the participants had a favorable attitude towards COTPA. The positive attitude was more (53.7%) towards the display of health warnings on tobacco products among smokers. 11.2% had paid penalty for violation of the act and 32.4% have noticed a reduction in their habit to some extent.Conclusions: A concerted effort has to be made to increase the awareness of the act amongst the vulnerable population.

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