Awareness and Perception on Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Questionnaire Based Study

Abstract

Antibiotics have played a colossal role in managing numerous infectious diseases since their discovery. But today the reckless emergence of AMR and exploitation of antibiotics are of pronounced alarm. Humankind is drifting into an era of multiple drug resistance and an urgent action is required to halt the advent of post-antibiotic era. It is in this regard that the study is undertaken and performed. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of general public centered on antibiotics usage and its resistance. A descriptive study among 516 subjects following with simple random sample selection was conducted between May and July 2020 and was done using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using ANOVA (SPSS VERSION 21.0). Out of 516 respondents, majority has agreed the use of antibiotics in viral infections. About 2/3rd of the population has answered that antibiotics can be taken in cold and cough. About 80% of the population think there is misuse of antibiotics. Around 89% of respondents consult a physician prior to initiate antimicrobial therapy. Our study reveals that the respondents had moderate knowledge and a basic attitude regarding prudent use of antibiotics. Thereby, creating awareness and educating people is significant in the rational use of antibiotics and to minimize the adversities.

The dark side of drug repurposing. From clinical trial challenges to antimicrobial resistance: analysis based on three major fields

“… Progression of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance may arise as a consequence of the improper utilization of antibiotics or their employment for indications other than the treatment of bacterial infections ( 100 ). This resistance can manifest through the transmission of genes associated with antimicrobial resistance when bacteria are subjected to prolonged exposure to low levels of antibiotics ( 101 ).…”