Knowledge, Attitude, and Medication Practice on Antibiotics among a rural population in Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem that will add to the healthcare system's burden and impose an increasing threat to Public Health. This study has evaluated knowledge, attitude, and medication practice on antibiotics (AB) and identified its association with socioeconomic characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an assisted self-administered questionnaire among 105 adult respondents at a selected residential area in Kedah. A student t-test, the Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were done for the analysis. Most respondents (86.7%) were aware of AB, and 42.9% had used it in the previous year. The respondents were confused about antibiotics knowledge, implying that AB kills germs (69.5%) and viruses (48.6%). Two-thirds of the respondents, 70%, had a moderate understanding of AB, but only a few can correctly recognize AB, its side effects, and the appropriate medication. More than half of the respondents, 58% and 53%, have a positive attitude toward AB and good medication practice. However, the majority are unaware that skipping one or two doses can result in ABR. Antibiotics are still misused, as more than half of the respondents did not always complete the entire course of medication. There was a weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (p<0.01). Since the respondents have had insufficient knowledge of AB, they may misuse it in the future, leading to increased microbial resistance. It is time to educate the public about the safe use of AB through periodic health education and focus group discussions.