| dc.description.abstract | Background:Globally the use of antibiotics has contributed greatly to the decline in morbidity and mortality caused by infectious diseases. However, over time microorganisms have developed resistance to these antibiotic agents, undermining the past decades’ treatment advancements
Objective:The study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices on antibiotic resistance among undergraduate non-medical students residing in halls at Makerere University. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Makerere University Uganda to collect both qualitative and quantitative data,data obtained was entered into the computer and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
Results:Out of 385 participants,259 (67.3%) were male,126 (32.7%) were female. Catholics were 87 (22.6%), 79(20.5%) were Pentcost, 75(19.5%) were Anglicans, 64 (16.6%) were Muslims, 25 (6.5%) were Seventh day Adventists. Most respondents 359 (93.2%) were single while 26 (6.8%) were married. Out of 385 participants, 356 (92.2%) did not have knowledge about AR,170 (44.2%) said that anti bacterial are effective for viral infections, 165 (42.9%) said antibiotics are effective for both viral and bacterial infections, 203(52.7%) take antibiotics prescribed by physicians,89(23.1%) do self medication, 62 (16.1%) take antibiotics prescribed by pharmacists while 31(8.1%) are influenced by friends. Majority 200(51.9%) do not complete antibiotic doses, Many 180(46.8%) stop dose after feeling better,56(14.5%) after developing allergic reactions,51(13.2%) after gastrointestinal discomfort, 14(3.6%) forget to finish their doses. 233(60.5%) respondents keep their antibiotics leftovers and 213(55.3%) give leftovers of their antibiotics to friends.There is no significant relationship between social demographic characteristics with respondents’ knowledge,attitude and practices to AR since (p=0.248) for knowledge and( p=0.538) for practices.
Conclusion:The knowledge about AR was poor and the study identified areas for improvement in taking antibiotics. Promoting proper antibiotics use practices among students, along with comprehensive antibiotic use practices strategies, is essential in reducing AR.
There is no significant relationship between social demographic characteristics like gender, marital status and religion with knowledge and practices of AR.since p>0.05
Recommendations:The findings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions regarding knowledge and antibiotics use practices
Health workers should always carryout health education to the general public on dangers of self medication. | en_US |
