KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE & PRACTICE OF ANTIBIOTIC USE, SELF MEDICATION & RESISTANCE IN GENERAL POPULATION OF MIRPUR AJK

Abstract

Introduction: Good knowledge, attitude and practice about antibiotic use and resistance among the general population, are significant contributors to reduce the antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics resistance is one of the leading health concerns worldwide. Excessive prescription of antibiotics in primary care often originates from patient expectations and requests for treatment. Objective: The aim of study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) of Antibiotic use, self-medication, and ABR among general population. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Mirpur AJK using a self-structured questionnaire distributed through online survey form from February 2023 to August 2023. The non-probability convenient sampling was used including adult participants who voluntarily consented to take part. 386 respondents were included in the study; data was analyzed using SPSS by applying Chi-Square test. Results: Most of the participants were female (56%), of age group between 18-40 (78%), 60% of them had education above high school. 77.4% know about all the symptoms of URTI, 53.1% respondents  showed significant association (p=0.000) living in extended families. There was significant association 74.6% between family decision maker and the typical symptoms of URTI (p=0.000). 85% respondents of urban area had good knowledge. 99% significant relationship was found between age group (>64years) and irrational use of antibiotics. 84.4% said the main reason of irrational use of antibiotics was patients. Majority of the respondents with low education (54.2%) and rural background (44.1%) showed significant association (0.008) with switching practitioners if antibiotics were not prescribed. Conclusion: The study concluded that the knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance was good in our community. Females of age between 18-40 years and education above high school were perceived that Health Care Professional was responsible for irrational use of antibiotics. Most of the people age above 64 was responsible for irrational use of antibiotics. Majority of patients demand prescribers to prescribe antibiotics.