ATTITUDES AND AWARENESS ABOUT ANTIMICROBIALS USAGE AND RESISTANCE IN DELHI, INDIA

Abstract

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as warned by WHO, is a worldwide threat to the public health which may lead to more than 10 million deaths by 2050. Among various factors responsible for AMR like irrational/misuse of antibiotics, easy access as over the counter medicine, one important factor is perception of general public about antibiotics and its use. The present study was undertaken to understand the attitude and awareness of consumers towards AMR and to evaluate the demographic patterns of various contributing factors. Questionnaire based survey was used to analyze the awareness towards AMR. Three sections of the questionnaire analyzed the attitude towards antimicrobial usage, awareness about AMR and use of antibiotics in agriculture. Out of 916 participants 79.25% were found to have good attitude towards antibiotic usage. Significant difference was noted in their attitude towards antibiotic usage and completion of antibiotic course with respect to gender, place of residence, and subjects studied. Over 70.96% participants took antibiotics only after prescription by the doctor. 72.27% participants had the awareness about AMR. Male participants studying science had significant knowledge about AMR. The awareness level towards the use of antibiotics in agriculture was low among participants and it differs with age and area of residence. Participants in our study have a good awareness and attitude towards use of antibiotics and AMR, still there is difference in awareness with gender, place of residence and subjects studied. Therefore, we need multi-directional approach to augment nationwide corrective measures and public awareness against AMR.