A cross-sectional research conducted in Malatya province, Turkey: Knowledge levels and awareness about rational antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance before and after graduation

Abstract

Background Irrational antibiotic use can adversely affect treatment outcomes or even lead to increased antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to determine antimicrobial prescribing habits and to evaluate the level of theoretical knowledge of rational antibiotic use and awareness about antimicrobial resistance among the senior students of medical faculty and the family physicians in Malatya province in Turkey. Methods This study was cross-sectional research and was carried out between dates of 01 February-30 April 2019, in Malatya province. Power analysis was calculated as minimum 240 participants when considering a proportion difference of 0.18 between the groups, a type I error of 0.05 and a type II error of 0.20. A total 225 senior students in Inonu University Medical Faculty (Group 1) and 230 actively-working family physicians in Malatya primary healthcare services who were found eligible (Group 2) were included in to this study. A questionnaire form was prepared including seven sections and thirty questions. All of the participants were interviewed face to face. Before the questions, the purpose of the study and the contents of the questions were explained to participants. Qualitative data were analyzed by Pearson chi-square test. A p<0.05 value was considered to be statistically significant. Results The group 1 had a tendency to apply to specialist physician when starting to themselves antibiotic treatment, they were more cautious when making antibiotic decision, and their theoretical knowledge level was better. They argued that penal sanctions could be more effective by developing strict use policies to raise awareness of resistance to antibiotics. The group 2 had higher self-confidence and it was also concluded that forgot their theoretical antibiotic knowledge over time and could not follow the novel information because of the intensity of working life. Both groups stated that post-graduation trainings could be used effectively for reducing the antibiotic resistance. Conclusion This study highlighted the need for immediate action of training and corrective actions and might create awareness to determine the difference in theoretical knowledge levels and behavior models of physicians before and after graduation and to reduce higher use rates to lower levels. Key words: Antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic, awareness, rational use