Introduction
Recently, it is observed that due to inappropriate use of antibiotics there has been an increase of infection with resistant bacteria.1 Therefore, Educating people, including both the patients and healthcare professionals, about the judicious use of antibiotics should be an important aspect of preventing the emergence as well as spread of resistant bacteria.1, 2, 3 To Educate the before mentioned group or community, we first require both of their understanding and attitude towards antibiotic use and resistance. Antibiotic use recently and inappropriately are known risk factors for contracting a resistant bacterial infection. Therefore, encouraging wise antibiotic usage should be the main component of plans to stop the emergence and spread of resistant micro-organisms.1, 2, 3, 4
A global issue is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is among the significant effects of the unwise use of antibiotics by the general public and medical professionals.5, 6, 7 Inappropriate teaching and training of medical professionals, advertising of pharmaceutical corporations, and interactions between patients and doctors are some examples of the illogical use of antibiotics. Other examples include using antibiotics without a prescription and exchanging leftover antibiotics. However, a lack of information and awareness of antibiotic usage and AMR among the general people and healthcare professionals is the frequent factor causing illogical antibiotic use.1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
The study mentioned and conducted during this survey puts forward the degree of understanding, knowledge and real life observations by the health care professionals on antibiotic misuse, overuse or under use among the general public in the state of Maharashtra contributing to bacterial resistance. This study further aims on sustainable and right use of antibiotics among the community members. Therefore, decreasing the cases of antibiotic resistance built in infectious bacteria.
Materials and Methods
The study was performed from 01 September 2023 until 15 October 2023. The researchers designed a self-contained, organised questionnaire based on the study objectives, similar surveys, and a review of recent literature. The questionnaire was constructed using Google Forms for data collection. Questions about antibiotic usage modes, patients taking over-the-counter medications, sensitivity testing, patient compliance with antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance are all included.
The participants were asked to respond to the questionnaire using their own expertise on the topic. Ten volunteers, who were not part of the main participant group, were enrolled in the pilot study. The statistician, researcher, and institute ethics committee registration number, ECR/684/INST/MH/2014/RR-17, all validated the questionnaire.
Several modifications were made to make it more understandable in response to the findings. This questionnaire was created without reviewer approval.
Through electronic means, the Modified Questionnaire was disseminated among the Maharashtra participants. They received assurances regarding their privacy. A sample of 484 was created by checking the completed questionnaires and excluding the ones that were not complete. The only option for data software is MS EXCEL for data coding, entry, and analysis.
For qualitative and quantitative variables, several techniques used descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages.
Results
More than 60% of participants of survey prescribed antibiotics .it was found that more than 70% of participants get patient who take antibiotic over the counter. More than 70% of the patient do not follow proper antibiotics dosages.it was observed that around 50% of such patients had complained of ineffective antibiotics at some point of time.
A total of 570 respondents completed the survey among which 40.4% were dental students, 28% were dental practitioners, 14.4% were medical students and 17.2% were medical practitioners. The surveys were completed online using Google forms.
It was found that the majority of the Medical and dental professionals often prescribe antibiotics regularly to their patients. The number were as high as 61.5% as compared to those 38.5% doctors who do not prescribe antibiotics regularly.
Discussion
To our knowledge, this is the first poll that directly evaluates the general public's knowledge, comprehension, and attitudes about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in Maharashtra. Despite a high level of understanding, it was found that there is still room for development. These include knowledge of the reasons why antibiotics are used, the processes that lead to antibiotic resistance, and the necessity of a diversified strategy to battle resistance.
Conclusion
This study helps to correlate the lack of knowledge and the increase in the antibiotics resistance. This so called Antimicrobial resistance can be brought under control by proper education and awareness about it. These findings will guide future engagement initiatives to ensure data-driven campaigns and community stewardship initiatives with the goal of enhancing healthcare quality in a nation with a high prevalence of antibiotic consumption.
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