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Knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care workers towards antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial stewardship
Dena Firouzabadi1, Laleh Mahmoudi1
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Rationale And Aims:
Antibiotic development was a major breakthrough in defeating infections; however, their vast use has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causing mortality, morbidity, and financial burden worldwide. Considering the limited introduction of newer antimicrobials to overcome resistance patterns, sufficient knowledge of their use can help manage this issue. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) with the mainstay of education can be a good resolution. The aim of this study was to seek aspects in which knowledge regarding antibiotics is lacking at our institutions.
Materials And Methods:
This cross-sectional study performed in Shiraz, South of Iran, was designed as a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was designed and handed out to health care workers including infectious disease practitioners, surgeons, internal medicine specialists and residents, general practitioners, medical students, and microbiology lab technicians and PhD graduates. Difference in response to questions was evaluated between the practitioner and nonpractitioner groups.
Results:
Completed questionnaires were collected (n = 126). According to the results, most participants (88.1%) agreed on establishment of local guidelines. Majority (94.4%) also believed that education regarding antibiotics can help reduce AMR. Good patient care was not believed to be impaired by limiting use of antibiotics (72.2%). A significant difference in the practitioner and nonpractitioner groups' practice score was observed.
Conclusion:
In our study, knowledge deficit was observed in some aspects of AMR. We can conclude that more practice and education are needed in ASP for the better performance in reducing resistant patterns.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat. This study found knowledge gaps in antibiotic use among healthcare workers, highlighting the need for enhanced education and practice within antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) to combat AMR.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Antibiotic development has been crucial in combating infections, but widespread use has driven the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- AMR poses a significant global threat, leading to increased mortality, morbidity, and economic burden.
- Limited introduction of novel antimicrobials necessitates better management of existing antibiotic use through enhanced knowledge and stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific areas where knowledge regarding antibiotic use is lacking among healthcare professionals.
- To evaluate the current knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) concerning antibiotics and AMR.
- To inform the development of targeted educational interventions for antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study was conducted in Shiraz, Iran.
- A 15-question self-administered questionnaire was distributed to various healthcare workers, including physicians, medical students, and laboratory technicians.
- Responses were analyzed, with a specific focus on differences in practice scores between practitioner and non-practitioner groups.
Main Results:
- A total of 126 questionnaires were completed.
- The majority of participants (88.1%) supported the establishment of local antibiotic guidelines.
- A significant proportion (94.4%) believed that education on antibiotic use can mitigate AMR, and 72.2% felt that limiting antibiotic use would not compromise patient care. A notable difference in practice scores was observed between practitioners and non-practitioners.
Conclusions:
- The study identified deficits in healthcare workers' knowledge concerning antimicrobial resistance.
- Enhanced practical training and education are essential components for improving antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs).
- Targeted interventions are needed to address knowledge gaps and optimize antibiotic use to reduce AMR.
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