SURGICAL ORTHOPEDIC PATIENTS’ PERCEPTION OF ANTIBIOTIC USE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate orthopedic patients' knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Material and Method: Patients admitted to the hospital for orthopedic surgery were given a questionnaire containing a total of 26 questions, 7 multiple choices, nine true and false questions and ten likert scale questions adapted from a survey which has been published by World Health Organization and translated to Albanian to assess their knowledge and attitude toward antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Result and Discussion: Sixty-two percent of the patients misunderstood the definition of antibiotic resistance and answered yes to the question "Antibiotic resistance occurs when your body becomes resistant to antibiotics and the antibiotic is no longer effective." 62.4% of the patient strongly agreed that ‘antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest problems facing the world”. Although participants are aware of antibiotic resistance and the potential threats it may pose, their knowledge of the causes of antibiotic resistance and how to prevent it is limited. In conclusion, attempts need to be made to raise antibiotic resistance awareness and knowledge among the Kosovo population.