Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major concerns for global health. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is speeding up the process of AMR. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the population of the western region of Saudi Arabia towards antibiotic use and AMR. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire via social media platforms. It consisted of four parts: first, the participant's sociodemographic characteristics. Second, an assessment of the knowledge of antibiotic use and AMR. The third and fourth parts are to evaluate the attitude and practices towards antibiotic use and AMR. ResultsFrom a total of 501 participants, 379 (75.6%) were females, and 354 (70.7%) of the participants had a college degree. Regarding the overall knowledge of antibiotics and AMR, 277 (55.29%) of the respondents had poor knowledge. In addition, 443 (88.42%) of the participants also reported having an inadequate attitude. Moreover, inadequate practices related to the use of antibiotics were also reported among 305 (60.89%) of the participants. Factors associated with the level of knowledge are gender, age, educational level, and occupational status. Regarding occupation, being in a medical job was associated with a better knowledge of antibiotics and AMR than other occupations. ConclusionOur study revealed poor overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward antibiotics and AMR among participants. Conducting educational health campaigns for the public that aim to promote awareness and enhance good practices, emphasizing the role of health care providers in health education for the public, and enforcing strict regulations to control the non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics will help to combat this issue. However, future research on this topic is required.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Antibiotic Resistance Among General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This is a positive practice that aligns with wise antibiotic use. This finding is inconsistent with the results of previous studies conducted in Lithuania [ 21 ], Malaysia [ 18 ], and Saudi Arabia [ 22 ], where only 28.5%, 17%, and 25% of participants, respectively, reported storing antibiotics at home for future use. Moreover, according to research done by AlRukban et al in 2020, it was found that almost two-thirds of the participants had antibiotics stored inside their households [ 23 ].…”

“…According to the survey conducted in Kuwait, around 64.7% of the participants expressed confidence in physicians to obtain antibiotics on a valid prescription [ 17 ]. A Saudi Arabian study reported that a significant proportion of respondents (72.6%) expressed agreement with the notion that antibiotics should not be obtained without a prescription [ 22 ]. According to the research conducted in Indonesia, around 40% of the participants reported purchasing antibiotics from pharmacies but without obtaining prescriptions [ 26 ].…”

“…Conversely, a majority (77.9%) disagreed with the idea of seeking a different physician solely due to their refusal to prescribe antibiotics. Furthermore, a substantial percentage (73.9%) disagreed with the practice of obtaining antibiotics from a drugstore without a valid prescription [ 22 ].…”

A systematic review and meta-analysis of antimicrobial resistance knowledge, attitudes, and practices: Current evidence to build a strong national antimicrobial drug resistance narrative in Ethiopia

“…AMR [17]; the Western region of Saudi Arabia (55%) [45,46]; the general rural population in low-income and middle-income in South-East Asia: Chiang Rai, Thailand (74.8%), and Salvan (62.5%) [47]. Furthermore, in a meta-analysis of 24 studies comprising 40747 general population, Gualano et al, found that approximately 59% of people were aware of AMR [46].…”

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding microbiota composition and influencing factors among the general population in Jazan province: A cross-sectional study

“…This behavior can contribute to developing bacterial resistance, which can be challenging to treat. In the study conducted in the western region of Saudi Arabia, over 50% of the participants stopped taking antibiotics after they felt improvement [19] . Conversely, in a Romanian study, only 10% of participants discontinued antibiotic use once they felt better, while approximately 60% continued taking them until the doctor-recommended course was completed [26] .…”