Survey of knowledge and perceptions of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic stewardship among doctors and pharmacists in a tertiary hospital: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance poses a serious global public health threat and results in prolonged illness, increased mortality and cost. The WHO global action plan on antibiotic resistance emphasizes five strategic objectives, including improved awareness of antibiotic resistance and optimization of antibiotic use. The objectives of this study were to assess doctors’ and pharmacists’ knowledge and perceptions of antibiotic resistance and stewardship, and hospital’s preparedness to implement antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs).Methods: One hundred and twenty-four doctors and 61 pharmacists were surveyed in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Descriptive and Pearson chi-square analysis were carried out to compare knowledge and perceptions between the two groups. Results: Both doctors and pharmacists perceived antibiotic resistance as a global and national problem (98% vs 97%), respectively. Both groups perceived excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and antibiotics for common cold and cough increase resistance (84% vs 75%, 71% vs 82%, respectively). Only 47% of doctors and 53% of pharmacists correctly defined antibiotic stewardship with 77% and 85%, respectively, agreeing that restriction of certain antibiotics reduces resistance. There was with no significant difference in knowledge between the two groups in majority of questions/statements; however, there was association between length of practice and knowledge of causes of antibiotic resistance (F = 2.586; p = 0.028).Conclusion: Participants in this study showed good knowledge of the prevalence and causes of antibiotic resistance, as well as antibiotic stewardship strategies. There was however little awareness of the hospital’s plan to implement ASPs. Hospital management needs to emphasize optimizing antibiotic use through stewardship programs.