Knowledge, attitude and practice immediately before and following a three-day workshop on ‘Strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance and promoting rational use of antimicrobials’

Abstract

Context: Antimicrobials are commonly used worldwide. Reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent matter to be addressed. Aims: The study aimed to measure knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of participants before and after a three-day workshop on various strategies towards reducing antimicrobial resistance and promoting rational use of antimicrobials.Settings and Design: The cross-sectional study was conducted during the workshop held from 17th to 19th April 2019 at a medical college in Nepal.Methods and Material:There were 33 participants. KAP scores were measured immediately before and after the workshop. A questionnaire containing twelve sections related to various themes of the workshop was developed. Feedback regarding each session was also obtained from all the participants.Statistical analysis used: Mean scores were compared among participants before and after the workshop. The ratings for individual sessions were also calculated. Results: Maximum participants were 26-30 years of age and 22(66.7%) were males. Maximum participants, 19(57.6%) were having less than five years work experience. Post intervention scores improved for six out of twelve sessions - rational use of antimicrobials, infection prevention and control for limiting AMR, monitoring the use of antimicrobials in Nepal, effectiveness of various programs to prevent AMR, familiarizing with microbes to tackle AMR, and role of government, media and other organizations for preventing AMR.Conclusions: Excessive use of antimicrobials can lead to problems like AMR. The three-day workshop was effective in increasing the KAP scores of the participants and may lead to more rational use of antimicrobials.