Curtailing self medication to combat antimicrobial resistance-a KAP study

Background Self medication of antibiotic leads to Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and is going to become a global epidemic. The purpose of National Action Plan for AMR is to improve awareness and understanding of AMR through educational training and effective communication. Objective To analyze the knowledge, attitude and perception about AMR and to spread awareness and improve knowledge so as to optimize antimicrobial use. Materials and Methods A cross sectional survey was carried out among 2nd year MBBS students in July 2019 with the help of a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions. The results were analyzed with the help of percentage and chi square test was used to see statistical significance. Results Out of 112 respondents 70.43%, 57.28%, 68.5% students answered correctly to the questions in knowledge, attitude, and perception respectively. The most commonly self medicated antibiotics were Amoxicillin and Fluoroquinolones (25%) followed by Azithromycin (16%).  82.1% were aware that antibiotics target bacteria, but 47.3% and 31.2% had a perception that they were effective for fungi and viruses as well, and 40% said it was effective for all.  81.2% agreed that taking antibiotic only when prescribed will prevent AMR. Only 36.6% students knew that we should give fewer antibiotics to food producing animals, 70.5% felt that newer antibiotics are better than old ones and 71.4% believed that it  necessary to complete the course of antibiotics. Conclusion Our study provides an important insight regarding knowledge, attitude and perception of medical undergraduates and the results can be considered while formulating a need based undergraduate curriculum regarding antibiotic usage and AMR. Since these students will be role model for citizens and patients, it is important to sensitize them, so as to bring a behavioral change which impacts human health tremendously.