Varshal J. Barot

Abstract

Background: Irrational use of antibiotics is the key contributor to antibiotic resistance. To improve the administration of antibiotics, many programs have been designed at national and international levels; and antibiotic stewardship (ABS) is one of them. The aim of this study was to create awareness and understanding of antibiotic stewardship by estimating its knowledge, attitude and practice (K.A.P) among health care professionals in health care facilities across Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among health care professionals in health care facilities across Gujarat. For which a self-administered questionnaire with 15 closed-ended questions with two sections: “Optimal antibiotic use” (no.1-7 questions); and “Responsible antibiotic use” (no.8-15 questions) was disseminated online/ in electronic form. Results: In Dental practitioners, mean scores of knowledge, attitude, practice (K.A.P) regarding “Optimal antibiotic use” and “Responsible antibiotic use” are 6.3682 ± 0.96, 6.2139 ± 1.07, 4.5672 ± 1.51 and 7.1692 ± 1.09, 6.9104 ± 1.25, 5.1443 ± 1.81 respectively. In Medical practitioners, mean scores of knowledge, attitude, practice (K.A.P) regarding “Optimal antibiotic use” and “Responsible antibiotic use” are 6.8201 ± 0.41, 6.7090 ± 0.56, 5.1270 ± 1.62 and 7.6032 ± 0.69, 7.4233 ± 0.82, 5.3492 ± 1.94 respectively. Between the groups, knowledge and attitude regarding “Optimal antibiotic use” and “Responsible antibiotic use” are statistically highly significant (p-value = Conclusions: Health care professionals showed higher knowledge as compared to attitude with least practice (K>A>P) regarding antibiotic stewardship in health care facilities across Gujarat. Key message: Antibiotic stewardship is fulcrum for the dual face of antibiotics. Equilibrium between individual and societal benefit/risk ratio while making clinical antibiotic decisions will benefit both; individual patients as well as the community. Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Antibiotic stewardship (ABS), Health care professionals

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