Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance: Surveillance among Visitors of a Tertiary Care Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide issue that was declared by the World Health Organization as a high-priority issue. However, there is a lack of awareness about AMR noticed in our community. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge of the community regarding AMR. <b><i>Methodology:</i></b> A validated 24-item questionnaire was administered to the visitors of the outpatient clinic pharmacy waiting area to investigate their awareness of antibiotic resistance. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 397 questionnaires were received and analyzed. The questionnaire included questions asking what antibiotic resistance is, how to use antibiotics properly, and for which infections antibiotics are used. The findings showed that 161 (40.55%) of the respondents were classified as having sufficient knowledge of AMR. Moreover, the results revealed that there was a significant association between gender and the level of knowledge where females showed a better knowledge of AMR than males. Age was also an influencing factor since respondents aged between 18 and 45 (31.49%) years proved to have higher knowledge. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings showed that awareness of AMR and the proper usage of antibiotics seems to be lacking among the general population. Educating the general population through the health care system and public campaigns could change the community’s perception of antimicrobial usage and, consequently, increase awareness of AMR.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in the Environment of Saudi Aquaculture as a New Class of Pollutants

“…Such a community still has some misconceptions and insufficient knowledge regarding AR [177]. Similar results were reported in the south-western region [174], Jazan, SA [178], university medical Saudi students [179], a tertiary care center, Riyadh, SA [180], Al Wazarat Health Center in Riyadh [181], while Jeddah population have more proper knowledge and awareness about AR [182,183]. The emergence and spread of AR are causes for great concern because of inadequate awareness of the risks associated with independent medication and antibiotic overuse.…”

Is YouTube a Reliable Source of Information on Antimicrobial Resistance in the Arab World?

“…One study by Alqarni et al [21] found younger age (31–40 years) having undergraduate or postgraduate education and being employed were significantly associated with better awareness and knowledge of AMR. The other study by Alduahimi et al [16] found similar results with factors such as the female gender and a health science background.…”

“…Previous studies from the Arab World have shown that the public often use social media (or the internet) as one of their sources of information about AMR and appropriate use of antibiotics [15]. In a recent study from Saudi Arabia, 28% of the participants (n = 111 of 397) reported such behavior, whereas about 9% (n = 17 of 193) of the participants in another recent study from Iraq reported it [7,16]. The larger percentage in the former study could be potentially justified by the fact that many of the included videos in this study were produced from Saudi Arabia (n = 22; 22.9%).…”

“…Knowledge of Arabs on AMR and appropriate handling of antibiotics was assessed in several studies from different Arabic countries, where a large proportion of the participants had insufficient knowledge, which was demonstrated by their agreements with statements such as antibiotics can be used for viral infections like cold and flu, that they can be stopped once the patient feels better, and that they can be shared or kept for future use [6,7,15,16]. Moreover, some participants in these studies reported using social media and/or the internet as their main source of information [6,7,15,16]. To further evaluate the content, quality, and reliability of Arabic YouTube videos addressing AMR from which the Arabs could learn about this crucial topic, this study was conducted.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Rural Communities Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance and Climate Change in Adadle District, Somali Region, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…Our study, along with other findings, highlights that adults generally possess a better understanding of AMR and CC compared to young adults [27,65,66]. This could be attributed to the fact that adults' increased vulnerability to both infectious and chronic diseases might contribute to their AMR knowledge, as it could lead to greater exposure to health information from healthcare professionals, thus enhancing their understanding [15,67]. This finding suggests a potential correlation between age and knowledge proficiency, potentially attributable to accrued life experiences, prolonged exposure to informational resources, as well as increased societal recognition and leadership roles within communities, facilitating easier access to information dissemination channels of both AMR and CC, whether through governmental initiatives or specialized training programs [68].…”