MISUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: A PUBLIC POPULATION-BASED HEALTH SURVEY IN AL TAIF- SAUDI ARABIA
Tamer M. Abdelrahman1*, Mohammed S. Al Saeed, Rehab A. Karam, Ali M. Alkhthami, Obaid-allah B. Alswat, Abdulrhman A. Alzahrani, Obadah M. Hendi and Hatim A. Jawad
ABSTRACT
Background: Antibiotic abuse or misuse is a global health problem which is greatly dependent on public knowledge and attitude and is a contributing factor for resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate public behavior toward the misuse of antibiotic and the various contributing factors for such behavior. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaire involving 1028 participants from Taif, KSA in the period from June to December 2016. Results: More than half of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge. The behavior of seeking medical advice was affected by different age groups, gender as well as education, income and employment. Age, education and income variables were significantly influencing factors on participant knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use. Respondents who had poor knowledge of antibiotics were more likely to have a negative attitude toward the use of antibiotics. Conclusion: public knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use have many gaps which reinforces the need to conduct educational programs and campaigns to fill up these gaps and improve the public awareness.
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