Impact of targeted educational intervention towards public knowledge and perception of antibiotic use and resistance in the state of Perak, Malaysia

Abstract

Background Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, accelerated by antibiotic overuse. Inadequate knowledge among the public has been associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study determined the impact of a self-developed educational leaflet for addressing specific knowledge gaps in antibiotic use among the public. Methods This was an experimental study conducted at five hospitals and 20 primary health care clinics in the state of Perak. Adults over 18 years of age were recruited using sequential sampling. The first phase of data collection consisted of a pre-intervention assessment, an educational session, and an immediate post-intervention assessment. Each educational session was conducted by trained pharmacists and lasted approximately 15 min for each participant. A two-week post-intervention assessment was then conducted via a phone call to re-assess the participants using the same questionnaire. Results Out of 300 questionnaires distributed, 234 were completed for our study. The mean age of participants was 40.7 ± 14.6 years old. Most of the respondents were female (143, 61.1%), Malay (162, 69.2%), and had tertiary education (162, 69.2%). A mean score was generated for each domain, with knowledge towards antibiotic resistance: 2.83 ± 1.28 pre-intervention, 3.76 ± 0.62 immediate post-intervention, and 3.67 ± 0.78 two-weeks post-intervention (total score: 4.00); knowledge towards antibiotic use: 2.03 ± 1.56 pre-intervention, 4.56 ± 1.46 immediate post-intervention, and 4.32 ± 1.48 two-weeks post-intervention (total score: 6.00); perception towards antibiotic use: 2.83 ± 1.38 pre-intervention, 4.25 ± 1.06 immediate post-intervention, and 4.22 ± 1.02 two-weeks post-intervention (total score: 5.00). Significant improvement in the mean scores were found before and after intervention in all domains (p < 0.001). Conclusion The educational leaflet was able to address salient knowledge gaps in the participants and remained sustainable over a two-week follow-up. Thus, its inclusion into future antibiotic awareness campaigns should be encouraged.

Community Use of Antibiotics in Turkey: The Role of Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Health Anxiety

“…The regression analysis results of the present study show that the belief in antibiotic effectiveness is the strongest predictor of antibiotic use, followed by negative attitudes, positive attitudes, and health anxiety. The importance of beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge has been demonstrated earlier in several studies conducted, for example, in Australia [19], Ethiopia [21], Malaysia [23], Poland [22], and in various European countries [8]. In addition, these studies indicate that beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge are interrelated: correct beliefs require a certain level of knowledge, and attitudes are formed according to the beliefs.…”

“…Educational interventions and campaigns targeting especially the misuse of antibiotics for viral illnesses should be prioritised [23,24]. In an experimental study conducted in Malaysia, a short (15 min) educational session by the pharmacists improved participants' knowledge and perception towards antibiotic use and knowledge towards antibiotic resistance [23]. Similarly, Thorpe et al demonstrated in their experimental study conducted in the UK that providing antibiotic information substantially diminishes inappropriate expectations of antibiotics [24].…”

“…Whichever the reason for the misuse of antibiotics, these findings show that self-medication with antibiotics for the common cold, influenzas, and upper respiratory tract infections is the most common form of antibiotic misuse. Educational interventions and campaigns targeting especially the misuse of antibiotics for viral illnesses should be prioritised [23,24]. In an experimental study conducted in Malaysia, a short (15 min) educational session by the pharmacists improved participants' knowledge and perception towards antibiotic use and knowledge towards antibiotic resistance [23].…”

“…For example, a common misunderstanding is that antibiotics are effective for treating cold, flu, or other viral infections [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Campaigns and education programmes about the correct use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance can reduce inappropriate antibiotic use [23,24].…”

Impact Evaluation of Teacher Training Extension Program in Higher Education: A Qualitative Assessment Approach

“…Another scientific knowledge that has a direct impact on learners is antimicrobial resistance. Most research findings supported the idea that information campaigns on antibiotics consumption changed attitudes and behaviors (Azevedo et al, 2013;Lee et al, 2015;Thong et al, 2021). Recognizing the threat of antimicrobial resistance to global health and food security, the DepEd has been championing antimicrobial stewardship through its policies, such as during World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW).…”