Global Journal of Public Health Medicine (Mar 2024)

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF ANTIBIOTIC USE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION OF MALAYSIA

  • Ayham Khaled,
  • Muhammad Hafizul Iman Bin Amir,
  • Nurul Izzah Binti Ngah,
  • Anis Farhana Binti Khairul Anuar,
  • Mohammed A. Abdalqader

DOI
https://doi.org/10.37557/gjphm.v6i1.249
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
pp. 958 – 966

Abstract

Read online

Introduction: Globally, antibiotic resistance is a serious issue. Recognizing the impact and importance of antibiotic resistance is the first step in preventing its progression. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use among the general population of Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 177 respondents. Methods: Convenience sampling was applied, and we used an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression. Results: A sum of 177 respondents were polled, with 121 (68.4%) being female and 130 (73.4%) falling between the ages of 18 and 29. In the previous year, forty-five point eight percent (81) had used antibiotics more than once. Seventy-six point four percent (136) were found to have good knowledge of antibiotic use and practice. However, more than half of respondents believe that antibiotics help them to recover quickly from fever. More than half of the respondents (59.88%) thought that or were not sure that Antibiotic resistance affects only those who take antibiotics regularly. Additionally, almost half (49.7%) of the respondents never discard their remaining antibiotics. We found that good practice of antibiotic use is associated with increasing age (p=0.046), good knowledge (p=0.050), and good attitude (p<0.001) towards antibiotic use and its resistance. Conclusion: Despite the generally favorable results, more interventional measures should be taken into consideration for the future improvement of the general public's understanding of antibiotic usage and practice, especially in schools, colleges, and universities.

Keywords