KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF ANTIBIOTIC USE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION OF MALAYSIA

Authors

Ayham Khaled Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya, 63000, Malaysia
Muhammad Hafizul Iman Bin Amir Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya, 63000, Malaysia
Nurul Izzah Binti Ngah Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya, 63000, Malaysia
Anis Farhana Binti Khairul Anuar Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya, 63000, Malaysia
Mohammed A. Abdalqader Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya, 63000, Malaysia

Antibiotic Use Antibiotic Resistance, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

Introduction: Globally, antibiotic resistance is a serious issue. Recognizing the impact and importance

of antibiotic resistance is the first step in preventing its progression. This study aimed to evaluate

knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use among the general population of Malaysia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 177 respondents. Methods: Convenience sampling

was applied, and we used an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis

and multiple linear regression. Results: A sum of 177 respondents were polled, with 121 (68.4%) being

female and 130 (73.4%) falling between the ages of 18 and 29. In the previous year, forty-five point

eight percent (81) had used antibiotics more than once. Seventy-six point four percent (136) were found

to have good knowledge of antibiotic use and practice. However, more than half of respondents believe

that antibiotics help them to recover quickly from fever. More than half of the respondents (59.88%)

thought that or were not sure that Antibiotic resistance affects only those who take antibiotics regularly.

Additionally, almost half (49.7%) of the respondents never discard their remaining antibiotics. We found

that good practice of antibiotic use is associated with increasing age (p=0.046), good knowledge

(p=0.050), and good attitude (p<0.001) towards antibiotic use and its resistance. Conclusion: Despite

the generally favorable results, more interventional measures should be taken into consideration for the

future improvement of the general public's understanding of antibiotic usage and practice, especially in

schools, colleges, and universities.

Download data is not yet available.