Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARD ANTIBIOTIC USAGE AND RESISTANCE: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

M. Rangapriya*, Alina Lorance, Anisha Merin Varghese, Arshi Hanif and Aruna S.

Abstract

Objectives: To monitor and assess the Knowledge, attitude and practice associated with antibiotic usage and their resistance through surveillance program. Methodology: This was a retrospective crosssectional study conducted for a period of 6 months (Dec 2019 - June 2020). KAP questionnaire related to the antimicrobial resistance was utilized to assess the knowledge of pharmacy students and general population. The resultant data were then collected and computed in Microsoft Excel. Analyses were expressed as total number, frequencies and percentage. Results: Data from 618 respondents were collected for KAP questionnaire and analyzed. The average knowledge score of the students was found to be 66.2% while that of the general population was 68.9%. Overall, the general population scored higher (63%) than that of the students (48.5%). And on attitude scale, student population had 70% and general population had 67% scores. Conclusion: The inference of the present study can help in bridging the gap in future education, training and for adequate decision making about antibiotic usage. Knowledge on causative agents should be strengthened by education focusing on antibiotic usage and the resistance pattern.

Keywords: Antibiotic, Culture, Sensitivity reports, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Microbial resistance.