Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Adherence among Female Community...

Background Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem in Nepal. Knowledge, attitude, practice and adherence of female community healthcare volunteers of an intervention area about antimicrobials before and immediately after a workshop conducted on 24th February 2024 was measured. Objective To compare the knowledge, attitude and practice towards antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial adherence among female community health volunteers. Method A questionnaire containing four sections related to various themes of antimicrobials was developed. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questions were analyzed using two sample proportion tests. Feedback regarding the educational intervention was also obtained using a 7-item tool and open responses. Result All Female Community Health care Volunteers from Mahalaxmi municipality participated. Most participants were aged between 41-50 years [19 (42.2%)] and [25 (55.6%)] had working experience greater than 10 years. The scores for statements antimicrobial resistance are a serious problem worldwide, [84.4% vs 60% (p=0.004)] and antibiotics are used to inhibit the growth of bacteria improved post- intervention [100% vs 77.8% (p ≤ 0.001)]. Scores for attitude statements like, taking antibiotics without consulting a physician [91.1% vs 60% (p ≤ 0.001)], missing a dose or two of antibiotic treatment contribution to antibiotic resistance, [75.5% vs 46.6% (p = 0.002)] among others improved. The scores for certain practice statements also improved post-intervention. The median scores for attitude scale, [31 vs 26 (p ≤ 0.001)] and practice scale, [31 vs 34 (p = 0.011)] were different before and after the workshop. Participant feedback on the workshop was positive. Conclusion The session was effective in increasing participants' practice scores and may lead to more rational use of antimicrobials. The attitude, practice and total scores were different before and after the workshop.