Public Perceptions of Antibiotic Resistance: A Quantitative Analysis of Knowledge and Behavior in Eswatini kingdom | ||
| Benha Journal of Applied Sciences | ||
| Volume 9, Issue 3, March 2024, Pages 285-294 PDF (746.35 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Research Papers | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/bjas.2025.345763.1558 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Shymaa M. Mahmoud* 1; Nosimilo Nkambule2; Mohanned O. Imam3; Osama Mohamed Abdelaziz Imam4 | ||
| 1Senior lecturer of Applied Microbiology -Department of Medical laboratory sciences - Southern Africa Nazarene University | ||
| 2Department of medical laboratory sciences -Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) | ||
| 3Medical school of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University | ||
| 4(M.B.B.Ch) Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine - Benha University | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Antibiotics are widely used in medicine, agriculture, and livestock to prevent and treat bacterial infections in humans, plants, and animals. Aim: To identify gaps in understanding and behavior that contribute to antibiotic misuse and resistance. Methods: This investigation utilized a quantitative cross-sectional survey design to evaluate the public's awareness, attitudes, knowledge, and practices with regard to antibiotic resistance in the Kingdom of Eswatini, targeted a diverse sample of 400 participants from various demographic backgrounds, including different age groups, educational levels, and occupations. This ensured a representative sample of the population. Results: 72% trust traditional healers, with 46.25% sometimes and 34.75% often preferring them over hospitals. About 64% report no local efforts to educate about antibiotic resistance. Regarding solutions, 34.25% support promoting new antibiotics, 24.5% are neutral, 32.25% disagree, and 4.25% strongly disagree. Additionally, 46.25% are unsure about the discovery of many new antibiotics annually, 38.5% agree, and 15.25% disagree. While 43.5% believe in alternatives to antibiotics, 40.25% are unsure, and 16.25% disagree. Lastly, 47.25% are unsure if antibiotic resistance leads to death, 17% believe it does, and 35.75% disagree. Most respondents (68%) were offered antibiotics by family or friends, and 72% accepted. About 43% stop early due to costs, 46% after feeling better, and 46% rarely finish the full course. Also, 68% have self-medicated. Conclusion: There was significant gap between awareness and understanding of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Self-medication practices are widespread Therefore, awareness of antibiotic resistance must be increased. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Antibiotic; Eswatini; Behavior | ||
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