Volume :
3
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the world’s most serious public health problems. The public plays a key role in the emergence and spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. But little is known about public understanding of and awareness to antibiotics resistance and whether this could modify treatment and reduce the chance of occurrence of antibiotic resistance. To assess knowledge and awareness of antibiotics resistance among residents of Debark Town, North East Gondar, Ethiopia. Community based cross sectional survey was conducted. The study was conducted in Debark town from May 20 to June 20/2009. A total of 403 questionnaires were distributed by trained research assistants. The questionnaires were handed to participants at their home after obtaining the permission. Completed questionnaire were returned. 294 (75.77%) of the respondents have never heard about bacterial resistance towards antibiotics and 94 (24.23) of them heard the term antibiotic resistance, but they didn’t know the causes and its implications. Among the total respondents, 382 of them do not know the difference between antibiotic resistance and body immunity. 289 respondents believed that irresponsible health professionals are responsible and blamed, 233 of the respondents believed that irresponsible individuals or patients are responsible and blamed for the occurrence of bacterial resistance towards antibiotics .Only 89 respondents agreed with the risk factors for the bacterial resistance towards antibiotics. 268 (67.78%) respondents believed in the rational use of antibiotics and 15(3.87%) of the respondents agreed to limit their use of antibiotics to reduce the risk factor for the occurrence bacterial resistance. Only 13 thought that science would provide the solution through the development of new drug. Most of the respondents have never heard the term “Antibiotic resistance†and the difference between antibiotic resistance and body immunity. Almost three-fourth of respondents believed that irresponsible health professionals are responsible and to be blamed and other respondents believed that irresponsible individual or patients are responsible for bacterial resistance toward antibiotics. In general, gaps in terms of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotics use among respondents were observed. National education programs should target these gaps aiming at increasing awareness on proper antibiotics use and its association with drug resistance. Enforcing antibiotic regulations at a national level is paramount targeting over the counter sale hence, reducing self-medication and high rates of consumption.