Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Nurses on Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge driven largely by inappropriate antimicrobial use. Nurses play a critical role in antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, and patient education, yet gaps between knowledge and practice persist, particularly in low-resource settings.

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses regarding AMR in selected hospitals within the Tamale metropolis, Ghana.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses across three hospitals using a convenience sampling approach. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables, and inferential analysis (χ ², t-test, and regression) was used to assess associations. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Of the 610 nurses approached, 384 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 73.3%). All respondents (100%) had heard of AMR, with 78% identifying the hospital as their main source of information. A majority demonstrated good knowledge of AMR, with key contributors identified as poor infection control practices (67%), improper antibiotic prescribing (59%), and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (76%). Overall, 83% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge (mean score: 11.9 ± 0.11). Positive attitudes toward antimicrobial stewardship were observed in 78% of participants. Educational level was significantly associated with attitudes toward antibiotic use (p = 0.022), although the correlation was weak. In practice, 57% of respondents reported that patient demand contributes to inappropriate antibiotic use, while 19% did not recognize that unnecessary antibiotic administration promotes resistance.

Nurses demonstrated good knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward AMR; however, important gaps remain in stewardship-related practices. Strengthening institutional antimicrobial stewardship programs and continuous professional education is essential to improve practice and mitigate the growing threat of AMR.