Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance: Surveillance among Visitors of a Tertiary Care Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide issue that was declared by the World Health Organization as a high-priority issue. However, there is a lack of awareness about AMR noticed in our community. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge of the community regarding AMR. <b><i>Methodology:</i></b> A validated 24-item questionnaire was administered to the visitors of the outpatient clinic pharmacy waiting area to investigate their awareness of antibiotic resistance. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 397 questionnaires were received and analyzed. The questionnaire included questions asking what antibiotic resistance is, how to use antibiotics properly, and for which infections antibiotics are used. The findings showed that 161 (40.55%) of the respondents were classified as having sufficient knowledge of AMR. Moreover, the results revealed that there was a significant association between gender and the level of knowledge where females showed a better knowledge of AMR than males. Age was also an influencing factor since respondents aged between 18 and 45 (31.49%) years proved to have higher knowledge. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings showed that awareness of AMR and the proper usage of antibiotics seems to be lacking among the general population. Educating the general population through the health care system and public campaigns could change the community’s perception of antimicrobial usage and, consequently, increase awareness of AMR.