Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards antimicrobial prescribing among healthcare professionals in a teaching hospital

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals (HCPs) can serve to improve the quality of antibiotic prescriptions. The present study was conducted to understand existing knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of HCPs to identify KAP-gaps regarding antibiotic prescribing, so as to design tailored awareness and training programs in the future. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted over a period of two months after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institute Ethics Committee (IEC). Faculty, senior and junior resident doctors across all clinical and paraclinical departments were eligible to participate if they provided written informed consent. Data regarding KAP on antibiotic prescribing were collected using a customised, validated 30-item KAP questionnaire developed by the study team. The study questionnaire was administered to participants through both online (Google Forms) as well as offline modes (printed copies). The respondents were given one week to respond. In case of non-response, one reminder was given after a week. The data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to compare KAP scores among the faculty, senior and junior residents and p -value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 170 responses were received from the HCPs (faculty, senior and junior residents) across various specialties. Overall, the KAP of study participants was reassuring for certain practices such as recognizing the seriousness of AMR, not using antibiotics to treat flu-like symptoms and prescribing antibiotics with correct dosage schedules. However, issues such as keeping updated on recent AMR trends in the hospital, avoiding antibiotic prescriptions in all cases of diarrhea, or solely based on patient demand are areas needing urgent attention. The study revealed the existence of notable gaps in knowledge, attitude and practices regarding antibiotic prescribing among our HCPs. The study results emphasise the need for regular awareness and training programs to promote appropriate antibiotic use.