KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANTIBIOTIC USAGE

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Thus, public knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic usage play an important ... METHODS: A cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaire were ...
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANTIBIOTIC USAGE AMONG GENERAL PUBLIC IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Qamar M1, Hammad MA2, Shaikh FA1, Ahmad S1 1Faculty

of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Jalan SP2, Bandar Saujana Putra Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia 2Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of superbugs and bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing problem worldwide. This circumstance is an alarming to public health globally in the 21st Century. Thus, public knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic usage play an important role in the success of treatment process and prevent from antibiotic resistance. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate public knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic utilization and the association of knowledge across various socio-demographic variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaire were distributed in a convenience sample of 380 respondents from Kuala Lumpur. RESULTS: Majority (60.8%) of respondents possessed moderate level of knowledge of antibiotic usage. Most (73.7%) of the respondents knew antibiotic is used for bacterial infection. However, 19.2% of respondents misunderstood that antibiotics is indicated for viral infection. About 53.4% of the respondents were aware of antibiotic ineffectiveness in relation to overuse of antibiotics. With regard to attitude, 51.1% believed that taking antibiotics when having cold symptoms could help to get better more quickly, while 21.9% expected antibiotic to be prescribed for common cold symptoms. More than 50% stated that they keep stock of antibiotics at home in case of emergency. Surprisingly, 65.3% agreed that they will use leftover antibiotics for respiratory illness (running nose, sore throat, flu). No significant association were observed between socio-demographic characteristics with knowledge of antibiotic usage. CONCLUSION: Educational campaigns are needed to stress out the importance of correct usage of antibiotics among general public. Keywords: Antibiotic usage, Knowledge, Attitude, Malaysia