Sireesha Kalva*, Neha Andhi, Nihal Medipally
Sri Venkateshwara College of Pharmacy, Osmania University, Telangana 500081 India
*Address for Corresponding Author
Sireesha Kalva
Associate Professor,
Department of Pharmacology,
Sri Venkateshwara College of Pharmacy, Osmania University, Telangana 500081 India
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the awareness and knowledge of antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance among the public. A population-based survey involving members of the public was conducted from October to February 2023. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from 110 respondents. Data were analyzed using the Google Forms application. The demographic data of respondents were analyzed using Google Forms software. A total of 110 respondents were initially invited to participate in this survey through social media. Out of these, 109 agreed to the invitation. 109 respondents out of 110 filled and returned the questionnaires representing a response rate of 99.1%. Among them, 66.6% were males while were 39.4% females, and they were widely distributed within age groups 19-27 years, 27-35 years 44 years & 45-54years, and 54-68 years. The respondents were grouped based on their level of education with high educational status recording the highest proportion. From the above survey, inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics is a major factor contributing to emerging ‘Antibiotics Resistance’ this is due to the low level of knowledge of the respondents in the survey. This can be overcome by conducting healthcare campaign programs. Antibiotics continue to emerge as a serious threat to public health. From the above survey, it is evident that public awareness of antibiotics is incomplete. The majority of the public has knowledge of antibiotics and only a minor population lacks it. The awareness is also lacking in uneducated people rather than educated ones. It is very much necessary to educate people about the use of antibiotics by conducting campaigns at different socioeconomic levels of society. It is also important to create awareness about the dispensing of antibiotics at the pharmacy by the registered pharmacist which may help in controlling the spread of antibacterial resistance.
Keywords: Antibiotic, resistance, antibacterial resistance, public awareness, healthcare campaign
