Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023
Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance has been identified as a global health threat. Knowledge, attitudes, and inappropriate prescription practices of antibiotics by physicians play a crucial role in this problem. In Colombia, research addressing this issue is scarce. Methods A cross-sectional s...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05354-w |
| _version_ | 1797209303159930880 |
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| author | Juan Camilo Morales Taborda Juan Carlos Montaño Guzmán Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez |
| author_facet | Juan Camilo Morales Taborda Juan Carlos Montaño Guzmán Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez |
| author_sort | Juan Camilo Morales Taborda |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance has been identified as a global health threat. Knowledge, attitudes, and inappropriate prescription practices of antibiotics by physicians play a crucial role in this problem. In Colombia, research addressing this issue is scarce. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 258 physicians was conducted. A scale with questions on sociodemographic aspects, level of education, satisfaction with antibiotic education received, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices was administered. The scale was designed for each item to be analyzed individually or as a total score ranging from 0 to 100 (0 being the lowest and 100 the highest). Results 31.5% of physicians rated the education received on antibiotics as fair to poor. The knowledge score was 80.1 (IQR 70.5–87.5); however, 25.2% agreed to some extent that amoxicillin is useful in treating most respiratory infections, and 15% agreed that antibiotics are effective in treating upper respiratory infections. Attitudes scored 80.2 (IQR 75.0-86.5), with 99% stating that bacterial resistance is a public health problem in Colombia, but only 56.9% considering it a problem affecting their daily practice. Practices scored 75.5 (IQR 68.8–81.2), and 71.7% affirmed that if they refuse to prescribe antibiotics to a patient who does not need them, the patient can easily obtain them from another physician. General practitioners were found to have lower scores in all three indices evaluated. Conclusion The study reveals enduring misconceptions and concerning practices in antibiotic prescription, particularly among general practitioners. Enhancing knowledge necessitates the implementation of continuous medical education programs that focus on updated antibiotic guidelines, and resistance patterns. Fostering positive attitudes requires a culture of trust and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Practical enhancements can be realized through the establishment of evidence-based prescribing guidelines and the integration of regular feedback mechanisms. Moreover, advocating for the inclusion of antimicrobial stewardship principles in medical curricula is crucial, emphasizing the significance of responsible antibiotic use early in medical education. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T09:52:33Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-bfb72bb6194b41d4bbc2550563b0fd4a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T09:52:33Z |
| publishDate | 2024-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj.art-bfb72bb6194b41d4bbc2550563b0fd4a2024-04-14T11:19:37ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202024-04-0124111010.1186/s12909-024-05354-wUnderstanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023Juan Camilo Morales Taborda0Juan Carlos Montaño Guzmán1Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez2Facultad de medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de ColombiaFacultad de medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de ColombiaFacultad de medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de ColombiaAbstract Background Antibiotic resistance has been identified as a global health threat. Knowledge, attitudes, and inappropriate prescription practices of antibiotics by physicians play a crucial role in this problem. In Colombia, research addressing this issue is scarce. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 258 physicians was conducted. A scale with questions on sociodemographic aspects, level of education, satisfaction with antibiotic education received, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices was administered. The scale was designed for each item to be analyzed individually or as a total score ranging from 0 to 100 (0 being the lowest and 100 the highest). Results 31.5% of physicians rated the education received on antibiotics as fair to poor. The knowledge score was 80.1 (IQR 70.5–87.5); however, 25.2% agreed to some extent that amoxicillin is useful in treating most respiratory infections, and 15% agreed that antibiotics are effective in treating upper respiratory infections. Attitudes scored 80.2 (IQR 75.0-86.5), with 99% stating that bacterial resistance is a public health problem in Colombia, but only 56.9% considering it a problem affecting their daily practice. Practices scored 75.5 (IQR 68.8–81.2), and 71.7% affirmed that if they refuse to prescribe antibiotics to a patient who does not need them, the patient can easily obtain them from another physician. General practitioners were found to have lower scores in all three indices evaluated. Conclusion The study reveals enduring misconceptions and concerning practices in antibiotic prescription, particularly among general practitioners. Enhancing knowledge necessitates the implementation of continuous medical education programs that focus on updated antibiotic guidelines, and resistance patterns. Fostering positive attitudes requires a culture of trust and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Practical enhancements can be realized through the establishment of evidence-based prescribing guidelines and the integration of regular feedback mechanisms. Moreover, advocating for the inclusion of antimicrobial stewardship principles in medical curricula is crucial, emphasizing the significance of responsible antibiotic use early in medical education.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05354-wHealth knowledgeAttitudesPracticeSurveyAntibioticsPhysicians |
| spellingShingle | Juan Camilo Morales Taborda Juan Carlos Montaño Guzmán Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023 BMC Medical Education Health knowledge Attitudes Practice Survey Antibiotics Physicians |
| title | Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023 |
| title_full | Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023 |
| title_fullStr | Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023 |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023 |
| title_short | Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023 |
| title_sort | understanding antibiotic knowledge attitudes and practices a cross sectional study in physicians from a colombian region 2023 |
| topic | Health knowledge Attitudes Practice Survey Antibiotics Physicians |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05354-w |
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