Introduction: India is a leading consumer of antibiotics; rational use of antibiotics is of prime importance. Objectives: The majority of the population in India resides in rural areas; hence this study was conducted to capture their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 130 randomly selected general public of rural Mangaluru. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s chi-square were employed in data analysis. Results: Adequate knowledge was observed only in 18.5% of the participants. Around 30.8% of participants thought antibiotics killed all germs while 23.8% were of no opinion. Furthermore, 60.8% thought that antibiotics speed up recovery from flu. Only about 23% thought frequent use of antibiotics would make the bacteria stronger and ineffective in the future. A minimal of 16.2% knew that antibiotic resistance is a global problem. About 52.3% preferred to take an antibiotic whenever they had the flu. However, 47% wanted to take it after doctors’ consultation. The study showed that compliance to complete the course was better when a doctor explained the proper use of the prescribed antibiotic. Additionally 31.5% opted for self-medication using the previous prescription and 21.5% took the antibiotics suggested by anyone other than the doctor. Conclusion: The study findings help re-evaluate the current public awareness activity and provide insight into some of the areas required to be focused on and aid the adequate legislative changes for a better outcome.
BACKGROUND Health care workers are more prone to occupational hazards, like needlestick injuries, blood, and body fluid exposures. Needlestick injuries (NSI) are responsible for the transmission of serious infections like HIV, HBV and HCV. The occurrence of needlestick injuries is highest among the nurses. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding needlestick injuries among nursing faculty in Justice K. S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Mangalore. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the nursing faculty working in a tertiary care hospital based on a structured questionnaire, and the obtained data were further analysed statistically. RESULTS The percentage of needle stick injury was 13.3 % among 75 nursing faculty. 94.7 % of the nurses were aware of the universal precaution guidelines and 84 % knew about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). 36 % of nurses knew the preventive guidelines' full details, but 50.7 % of the nurses were unaware of it. Many participants were aware that NSI transmits HIV (92 %) and Hepatitis B (68 %). The leading cause of NSI might be heavy work (54.7 %) followed by hurried procedures (41.3 %). 29.3 % of the nurses were still inclined to recapping the needle after use. 68 % of the nurses were mindful of washing hands with only water post exposure. 28 % were not willing to report a NSI. 80 % of nurses were fully immunised against Hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS The best way to reduce NSI is to impart knowledge and awareness to the faculty. Our study showed that the knowledge, attitude, and practice among the nursing faculty were promising but requires to be further strengthened. KEY WORDS Needlestick Injury, Nursing Staff, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent nosocomial and community-acquired bacterial diseases in humans, with E.coli being the most typical pathogen isolated. To detect the prevalence of virulence factors like haemolysin, haemagglutination of human erythrocytes with its effect of D-mannose, and cell surface hydrophobicity, the antibiotic sensitivity pattern and ESBL production in urinary isolates of E.coli obtained from clinical samples. We included the E.coli isolates obtained from a midstream urine sample for the study. Virulence factors like haemolysin, hemagglutination and salt aggregation were detected as per standard protocols. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production was seen by the combined disc diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar as per CLSI guidelines. A total of 103 E.coli isolates were tested, and among them, 24(23.30%) produced haemolysin, 65(63.10%) produced hemagglutination and 38(36.89%) had salt aggregation properties. Most isolates obtained were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics but showed high sensitivity towards antibiotics like chloramphenicol, meropenem, amikacin, imipenem and nitrofurantoin. Around 48% of them were ESBL producers. The common virulence factors associated with UTI were P-fimbriae (MRHA), haemolysin production, cell surface hydrophobicity and type-1 fimbriae. Because of the emerging drug resistance among UPEC, therapy should be advocated as far as possible after obtaining the culture and sensitivity results to determine exact aetiology and susceptibility patterns. The sensitivity to nitrofurantoin is very high, suggesting that antibiotic recycling will help clinicians treat UPEC.
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