Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Antibiotic Use Among the Public in the City of Kuantan, Pahang State, Malaysia

• Published in: Journal of Pharmacy 2022-07, Vol.2 (2), p.149-158
• Main Authors: Akkawi, Muhammad Eid, Al-Shami, Nashaat, Mohammed Al-Worafi, Yaser, Abdulmajid Abdo Ahmed, Abdullah, Mohammed Al-Shami, Abdulkareem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibiotics use; attitude; knowledge; Malaysia; practice; public
• ISSN: 2773-5664; 2773-5664
• DOI: 10.31436/jop.v2i2.157

Background: Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use play a vital role in the success of controlling antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) towards antibiotic use in Kuantan, Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public above 18 years old. The data was collected in public places using a pre-validated questionnaire. Software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for statistical analyses. Results: Out of 410 participants who answered the questionnaire, 229 (55.9%) of them were female and 288 (70.3%) had a college/university degree. It was found that 258 participants (62.9%) have good knowledge and 306 of them (74.6%) have positive attitude towards antibiotic use. However, 160 respondents (39%) believe that antibiotics can kill viruses and 183 respondents (44.6%) stated that they would ask the doctor to give them antibiotics in case they have common cold symptoms. Having a good knowledge was significantly related to the age (P=0.005), employment status (P