Public Attitudes Towards Antibiotic Consumption and Antimicrobial Resistance in Dakshina Kannada

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, primarily
driven by the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. This leads to ineffective
treatments, prolonged illnesses, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality
rates. Understanding public attitudes towards antibiotic use is crucial for
developing strategies to combat AMR, especially in regions with high antibiotic
consumption. This research aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and
practices related to antibiotic use and resistance among the general public in
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. A cross-sectional descriptive study was
conducted with 569 participants aged 18 and above, selected through stratified
random sampling to represent various demographic segments. Data were collected
using a structured questionnaire distributed both online and offline over one
month. The study found that 75.6% of participants were aware of AMR, with
healthcare professionals being the primary source of information (49.2%). Despite
high awareness, 35.0% reported using antibiotics without prescriptions, and 28.1%
admitted to stopping antibiotics prematurely. Additionally, 24.6% incorrectly
believed that antibiotics could cure viral infections, although 72.0% recognized the
consequences of improper antibiotic use.While there is a significant awareness of
AMR in Dakshina Kannada, concerning behaviors regarding antibiotic misuse
persist. Targeted educational initiatives are essential to promote responsible
antibiotic use and mitigate the threat of AMR. Limitations of the study include
potential biases from self-reported data and a sample size that may not fully
represent the diverse population of the region. However, the findings highlight the
need for region-specific strategies to address AMR effectively.