Antibiotics in the times of COVID 19’- A Mixed-Methods study among patients attending OPD of an Urban Health Centre of West Bengal

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Antibiotic Resistance has become a global threat attributable to the overuse and misuse of Antibiotics and exacerbated by the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Objective: Present Mixed Methods study, envisages finding out the knowledge and practice regarding Antibiotic usage and exploring changes if any brought about due to the pandemic among patients attending OPD of an Urban Health Centre in Kolkata. Method: Study was conducted from May to July 2021, in the urban field practice area of the institute. The quantitative component was evaluated by interviewing 200 patients using a pretested questionnaire and the Qualitative component was evaluated up to the point of data saturation in 3 FGDs. SPSS was used to analyze the Quantitative component, while the Qualitative component was analyzed thematically. Results: Among the 200 participants, self-medication with Antibiotics was seen in 74.0%; 26.0% had satisfactory Knowledge regarding Antibiotics and their use, whereas only 19.5% had satisfactory Practice regarding the same. Education and Health Literacy Score were significant predictors associated with unsatisfactory Knowledge and Practice regarding Antibiotic usage patterns. Economic constraints, Lack of transportation during the lockdown, and fear of institutional quarantine were some of the major factors which further contributed to Antibiotic misuse during the COVID19 pandemic. Conclusion: Advocacy for increasing health literacy, overall literacy status, and awareness regarding the perils of Antibiotic Resistance using appropriate IEC by health providers would be beneficial in the long run to prevent Antibiotic resistance. With that said, strict government regulations along with curbing the fallacies in the health system would further aid in making people use Antibiotics wisely.