Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding antibiotics, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance in students and health care professionals of the district of Barranquilla (Colombia): A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding antibiotics, use of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance in students and health care professionals of the district of Barranquilla, Colombia. Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional. Methods: A sample of 399 respondents was selected, that included health professionals and medical students from 12 health institutions in the district of Barranquilla (Colombia), using an established stratified sampling method. Each of the respondent professionals completed a survey that included 43 items in the Likert scale. A descriptive analysis of the study variables was performed using the software SPSS version 25. Results: Most of the respondents were women (64.4%), aged between 26 and 35 years (47.6%); 28.8% were nurses and 26.1% general practitioners, with ≤10 years of professional experience (63.4%). Overall, the survey revealed that the participants had considerable knowledge about antibiotic use (89.5%–98% correct answers) and the spread of antibiotic resistance (67.4%–89% correct answers). Approximately 74% of the respondents agreed or fully agreed with the questions related to the management of infections and the provision of advice. Conclusions: The present study revealed that most of the health care professionals surveyed had a good knowledge about antibiotic use, although strategies must be developed to strengthen knowledge regarding the spread of antibiotic resistance. Likewise, it is important to identify opportunities for improvement related with access to the guidelines and/or materials necessary to treat infections and to provide advice on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.

Keywords

• Microbial resistance
• Antibiotics
• Knowledge
• Attitudes and practices
• Colombia