A Survey on Public Knowledge and Awareness about Antibiotic Use and Resistance in Mjini Magharibi- Unguja, Zanzibar

Background: Antibiotics are among drug groups that have, for centuries, played a key role in treating and combating infectious diseases worldwide. This key role is being compromised by antibiotic resistance, driven by many factors, such as low-quality antibiotics and improper use of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is scrutinized as a major threat to global health today. It is estimated that in 2050, more than 10 million deaths and 100 trillion USD will be lost due to antibiotic resistance if no substantial actions are taken to end this emerging threat. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Mjini Magharibi. Only people over 18 who live in Mjini Maghrib and non-medical personnel were allowed to participate in our research. A Purposive sampling technique was used to target specific individuals of interest. Questionnaires were distributed to the participants, and data were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 22. The study involved 200 people from Mjini Magharibi-Unguja. Results: The study showed that 64.4% of the participants were female, and 61.5% were 18-24 years. 47.5% of all respondents obtained antibiotics after getting a prescription from a doctor or nurse and received advice from a doctor or nurse on how to use the antibiotics. The study also showed that 35.5% of the participants get antibiotics from a doctor or nurse. 72.5% of all respondents disagreed that it was okay to use antibiotics given to friends or family members as long as they were used to treat the same illness. Among the respondents, 46.5% disagreed that buying or requesting the same antibiotics from a doctor was okay. 57.5% take all of the antibiotics as prescribed. Lastly, our study assesses the level of education on knowledge of antibiotic resistance, and 65.5%,61.5%, and 71.5% of all respondents did not hear of antibiotic, antimicrobial, or drug resistance. Conclusion: Poor knowledge and awareness of antibiotic resistance existed across the study area, irrespective of gender and age. This proves a population problem, as seen in many other studies. The study sheds light on significant gaps in public knowledge, which can guide future educational programs and policy decisions. The topic is highly relevant globally, and this research adds valuable insights from a region not frequently studied.