PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Intro: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a huge concern towards public health as it poses a long-term threat to the future of humans. It is not only a problem in hospitals that affects the hospitalized patients, but it also has a significant impact on socioeconomics. However, AMR has not been widely known by the general public. The main objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of AMR among the general public of Malaysia. Methods: This study was conducted from April to August 2022. A questionnaire based on the “Antibiotic Resistance, Multi-country public awareness survey” published by WHO has been used to assess the knowledge of the Malaysian public on AMR. The questionnaire has been administered through email, social media, and word-of-mouth. Findings: A total of 202 complete responses were received. 132 (65.3%) were females, the mean age was 34 (ranging from 18 – 60-year-old). The majority of respondents live in a densely populated city or town (70.8%) and have graduated with a Bachelor's Degree (42.6%). 99% of the respondents have taken antibiotics in their lives. 94.6% respondents think that antibiotics should be taken as directed while 5.4% respondents think they should stop taking antibiotics once they feel better. 15.8% agree that the same antibiotics can be taken if the symptoms are same as before while 6.9% are unsure. More than 80% of respondents have heard of antibiotic resistance. More than half (51.5%) of the respondents also agree that they are not at risk of getting antibiotic resistance infection if they take the antibiotics properly. Conclusion: Most of the responses indicate that there is knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. However, there are still respondents who are unsure on the issue and their roles in combating AMR.