ABSTRACT
Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health issue, exacerbated by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics without antibiograms. Implementing appropriate stewardship programs that monitor and control antibiotic use is essential to minimize resistance development and ensure optimal patient outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of antibiogram availability and utilization on antibiotic use among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia, focusing on whether antibiogram data and utilization influence the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing practices. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a self-administered online survey distributed to physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers across various healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected over a 90-day period, from 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants' characteristics, and data were analyzed based on geographical region, participants' positions, and other predetermined differences. Out of 23,860 contacted individuals, 333 responded, and 283 were included in the analysis. The majority (62.2%) reported the availability of antibiograms at their facilities, with 84.1% utilizing them in clinical practice. The frequency of consulting antibiograms varied, with only 21.6% doing so daily. Key barriers to antibiogram availability included lack of expertise, technological infrastructure, and funding. Most participants (68.8%) observed changes in antibiotic prescription practices post-antibiogram introduction, and 86.9% believed antibiograms could shorten patients' length of stay and improve outcomes. However, only 40.9% had received training on antibiogram use. While healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia have a relatively high level of antibiogram availability and utilization, several barriers hinder their consistent use. Enhancing accessibility, promoting frequent use, and providing targeted training could strengthen the impact of antibiograms on antibiotic prescribing practices and antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
ABSTRACT
Background Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that is vital to deal with in many emergencies. Early interference with the cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique is really important for the survival of the patient. This study assesses the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CPR among Qassim University students. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Qassim University. The sample was university students. The colleges were chosen by a simple random technique. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire for knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CPR. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS; IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY). Results The total sample size of the participating students was 1148, of which 589 (51.3%) were female and the remaining were male (559, 48.7%). The common age was between 20 and 23 years old and most were from non-medical colleges (54.1%); the remaining (45.9%) were from medical colleges. The majority of female students (45.7%) in medical colleges knew the right location for chest compression better than the males, with a significant difference (p<0.05). No significant difference existed between males and females (p>0.05) regarding most CPR practices. On the other hand, there was a significant increase among medical students as compared to non-medical students (p<0.05) regarding most knowledge, attitudes, and practice items of CPR. Conclusion Based on our study, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Qassim University students toward CPR are insufficient and need to be improved. Also, medical students are better than non-medical students at CPR, so we recommend that the incorporation of a Basic Life Support (BLS) course, including CPR learning procedures in the university curriculum, with regular reassessments, would increase the knowledge and application of CPR skills among students for saving people's life.
