Author :
Sujin Padmanabhan, Valarmathi Balakrishnan, Savitha Govindarajan, Saranya Loganathan Kumaresan, Sendilkumar Balasundaram, Gayathri Kumar, Sujin Padmanabhan, Valarmathi Balakrishnan, Savitha Govindarajan, Saranya Loganathan Kumaresan, Sendilkumar Balasundaram, Gayathri Kumar
Volume :
12
Issue :
3
Abstract :
Background: In rural Indian communities, misuse of antibiotics contributes significantly to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A village in South India was chosen as it represents a typical setting where patterns of antibiotic use remain suboptimal due to low awareness and improper access.Aim and Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice related to antibiotic use and resistance, effectiveness of a structured community-based educational intervention on improving the community knowledge and to measure changes between pre? and post?intervention phases.Materials and Methods: A quasi?experimental pre?post study was conducted from August 2024 to January 2025 in Kalaiyur village which was taken as the intervention group and another village nearby with the same characteristics was chosen to be control group. Baseline KAP data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering awareness of antibiotics, proper indications, consequences of misuse, adherence, and resistance. An intervention package comprising pamphlets, lecture, placards, and street plays in Tamil, was delivered over four weeks. The same questionnaire was administered six weeks post?intervention. Data were analysed using paired t?tests and McNemar’s test; significance was set at p?
Keyword :
Antimicrobial Resistance; Self-medication practice; Over the counter medicines; Superbugs; Antibiotic misuse and overuse.