Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward Antibiotic Use among the General Public in Andhra Pradesh, India
Kota Neela Mani Kanta, Benson Wesly Buraga, Mary Sandeepa Gujjula, Kodali Vidya Prabhakar, Vijay A. K. B. Gundi, Uday Sankar AllamObjectives:
The irrational and extensive use of antibiotics has substantially contributed to the rise of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens worldwide. In developing countries, such as India, easy access to antibiotics without prescriptions further accelerates this problem. Comprehending the public’s awareness, perceptions, and behaviors concerning antibiotic usage and resistance is crucial for creating successful interventions.
Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the general public in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, involving 182 participants, to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance. The validated questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, knowledge of antibiotics, mechanisms of action, resistance and side effects, attitudes and practices, doctor–patient interactions, and sources of antibiotic information.
Results:
Although most respondents were familiar with antibiotics, substantial misconceptions were found. More than half of the participants (59.9%, n = 109) mistakenly thought that antibiotics work on viral infections and relieve pain or fever. Awareness of antibiotic resistance was limited, with only 49.5% ( n = 90) recognizing the concept, and nearly half attributing resistance to misuse, overuse, and self-medication. Overall, 72.5% ( n = 132) of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge, while 27.5% ( n = 50) had inadequate knowledge. Adequate knowledge was significantly associated with positive attitudes toward antibiotic use (86.4% of respondents). However, inappropriate practices persisted, with 48.4% ( n = 88) of the respondents reporting that they had requested antibiotic prescriptions from physicians.
Conclusion:
Despite generally good knowledge levels, attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use were suboptimal. These findings highlight the gap between knowledge and behavior. Strengthening antibiotic awareness campaigns, improving patient counseling, enforcing pharmacy regulations, and promoting responsible prescribing are critical for curbing inappropriate antibiotic use and combating antibiotic resistance.