PLoS ONE (Jan 2024)

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study.

  • Md Abu Raihan,
  • Md Saiful Islam,
  • Shariful Islam,
  • A F M Mahmudul Islam,
  • Khandaker Tanveer Ahmed,
  • Tania Ahmed,
  • Md Nahidul Islam,
  • Shamsunnahar Ahmed,
  • Mysha Samiha Chowdhury,
  • Dipto Kumar Sarker,
  • Anika Bushra Lamisa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297653
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 2
p. e0297653

Abstract

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BackgroundEscalating antibiotic resistance presents a notable worldwide dilemma, pointing a large involvement of general population. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the utilization of antibiotics among Bangladeshi residents.MethodsA cross-sectional study, conducted from January 01 to April 25, 2022, included 1,947 Bangladeshi adults with a history of antibiotic use, via online surveys and face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate linear regression models were employed.ResultsMean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 6.59±1.20, 8.34±1.19, and 12.74±2.59, with correct rates of 73.22%, 92.67%, and 57.91%. Positive predictors for knowledge included being unmarried (β = 0.10, p = 0.001), higher education (College: β = 0.09, p = 0.025; Bachelor: β = 0.22, pConclusionsParticipants exhibited adequate knowledge and positive attitudes but lagged behind in proper practice of antibiotic use. Proper initiatives should be tailored to enhance prudent antibiotic use and mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance.