The Battle against Antibiotic Resistance: Exploring Perceptions, Misconceptions, Attitudes, Practices, and Awareness Factors Influencing Antibiotic Resistance among General and Clinical Populations

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is rapidly advancing and becoming a higher risk over time; previously manageable infections have turned untreatable. Objective: To assess the perceptions, misconceptions, attitudes, practices, and awareness factors influencing antibiotic resistance among general and clinical populations. Methods: A total of 348 participants from the general public and 523 junior and senior medical practitioners in Peshawar, Pakistan, were included in this comparative observational cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, which was later assessed by Chi-square test through SPSS version 26.0. Results: The results revealed a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance among both groups. Only 32% of the general public correctly identified the definition of antibiotic resistance, while 76% of medical practitioners demonstrated a basic understanding of the concept. However, a significant number of participants from both groups recognized the problem of bacterial infections resistant to all antibiotics and the contribution of self-medication to antibiotic resistance. In terms of self-medication practices, approximately 60% of the general public reported self-medicating with antibiotics without consulting a healthcare professional. Among medical practitioners, the rate of self-medication was significantly lower, but a small proportion still admitted to prescribing antibiotics without appropriate diagnosis or indications. The majority of participants, however, did not intend to prescribe/suggest unnecessary antibiotics. Conclusions: The findings indicated that both groups were cognizant of the issue, yet certain misconceptions persisted within each group.