Antimicrobial resistance awareness in a vulnerable region: insights from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been declared one of utmost matters of importance in global health by WHO. Awareness of AMR is essential in controlling the spread of resistance. This study is aimed at access the awareness in knowledge attitude and practice of AMR in population of province of Gilgit and Baltistan, Pakistan to help develop initiatives and policies. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan and a sample of 261 was collected by convenience sampling. Questionnaire was adopted from “Antibiotic Resistance, Multi-country Public Awareness Survey” published by WHO. Pearson’s Chi-Square test and Fischer-Freeman-Halton Exact test were used to analyze the relationship of SES, Highest Education level and residence location with KAP questions. α-Level of ≤ 0.05 was used as significant 261 responses were analyzed, majority being female (52.1%) and male (47.5%) with most of them aged from 20 to 40 years (34.9%) and low economic status (83.5%). It was found that although 79.69% had known about antibiotics before, 73.18% never heard about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Self-medication is reported by 36.4%, and 68.33% obtained antibiotics from a doctor. Higher socioeconomic and educational status were associated with higher knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. Urban respondents demonstrated greater knowledge of AMR and were less likely to self-medicate compared to suburban participants (68.7% vs. 54.5%). Results showed that proactive efforts are needed to educate people about the awareness of AMR and all its harms. Campaigns should target people from Low SES, Low education groups and rural areas.