ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance represents a significant public health problem worldwide. Irrational use of antibiotics is the main driving factor for the evolution of antimicrobials-resistant organisms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the areas of defects in the knowledge and practices of the community about antibiotic use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on a sample of 1060 randomly-selected adults residing in the North of Jordan using a pre-validated questionnaire to evaluate knowledge, practices and attitude toward antimicrobial use and misuse, as well as to assess knowledge about antimicrobial resistance. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 41% (n = 437) stated that they have received oral antibiotics in the past two months, of which 38% acquired the antibiotics without a prescription. 32% of those who received antibiotics did not complete the recommended course of treatment. 39-54% of the sample population believe in common misconceptions/malpractices of antibiotics use. The majority (70%) of the respondents have not known about the term "antimicrobials resistance". Although people with higher education and higher income were generally more knowledgeable about appropriate antibiotics use and antimicrobial resistance, responses to some of the most important aspects in the assessment of knowledge showed no statistical difference between the different groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed major defects in the public knowledge about appropriate antibiotics use, as well as lack of awareness on "antimicrobial resistance" problem. Awareness about appropriate antibiotic use and the serious consequences of antibiotic misuse should reach everyone in the community regardless of their educational or economic status.
