Publication:

A survey on the knowledge, attitude, and practices about antibiotic usage and resistance among homeopathic general practitioners

Background Antimicrobial resistance(AMR) is an urgent and serious global health problem, demanding considerable attention from health care providers(HCPs) all over the world. The threat is progressing rapidly and intensifying with time. Therefore study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Homeopathic HCPs about antibiotic usage and resistance(ABR).

Methods Cross-sectional, observational study. The data was collected from 75 Homeopathic HCPs practicing in Maharashtra with prior informed consent. Questionnaire based study whose responses were assessed by using five point Likert scale and analysed by using appropriate descriptive statistics.

Results 68(90.67%) respondents agreed that antibiotics are overused in India and 70(93.33%) of them facing ABR in their daily practices. Only 62(82.7%) of them were aware of the fact that bacteria are not responsible for causing colds and flu. 33(44%) believe that skipping one or two doses of antibiotic does not contribute to ABR. Only 23(30.67%) knew drug schedule H correctly. 22(29.33%) opined that antibiotics should be discontinued if patient develops mild gastrointestinal side effects. Only 28(37.33%) reads patient information leaflet(PIL) and counsel patients accordingly. 28(38.67%) feel that they don’t have enough sources of antibiotic information and 35(46.67%) find it difficult to select appropriate antibiotic.

Conclusions Most of HCPs were aware of rising issue antibiotic resistance. However, their knowledge, attitude and practices were found to be a matter of some concern. Educational intervention can be introduced to bring about behaviour changes regarding rational antibiotics prescribing. Government should take initiative against overt antibiotic promotional advertisements and to curb over the counter(OTC) sell of antibiotics.