Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes toward Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance among Eastern Province Population in Saudi Arabia: Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a public health problem of great concern. Public knowledge is considered a prerequisite for the appropriate use of antibiotics and the limited spread of antibiotic resistance. Hence, the present study is planned to evaluate the level of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward antibiotic resistance among the Saudi public in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire in Arabic language and all data were analyzed by SPSS version 28.

Results

The study's sample comprised 421 participants, with a higher representation of females (65.1%) compared to males (34.9%). The study revealed several significant factors influencing knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Married individuals demonstrated better knowledge about antibiotics (OR: 1.1, p=0.01), while those with higher education levels exhibited greater knowledge (OR: 1.1, p=0.01). Conversely, those with a bachelor's degree showed lower knowledge (OR: 0.1, p=0.01). Education level also influenced attitudes, with higher education linked to more positive attitudes towards antibiotic use (OR: 0.9, p=0.02).

Conclusion

The overall level of knowledge was moderate and attitude towards the use of antibiotics was negative, so this mandates public health awareness intervention programs to be implemented on the use of antibiotics.