Knowledge, attitudes and practices on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in patients and physicians of primary health care centers in northern Lima, 2014-2015

Abstract

Intro: Incorrect use of antibiotics is a public health problem that leads to antimicrobial resistance. Objective: To describe the frequency of antibiotic use and to obtain information about antibiotic prescription, in two health centers in Northern Lima, Peru. Methods: Cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire for patients and physicians. Findings: 1961 surveys were considered, mainly of women (n=1565, 79.21%) and high school degree (n=1144, 58.34%). Two thirds (67.2%, n=1319) received antibiotics in the last year, to obtain these drugs, 76.08% (n=1492) were prescribed by a physician, 17.9% (n=350) by the drug store dealer, 2.6% (n=52) were self-prescribed and 1% (n=20) were recommended by other people. Many physicians agreed in the importance of adequate use of antibiotics and 85.1% (n=23) prescribed antibiotics more than once every day. Most of them (85.1%, n=23) indicated the internet is a useful resource of information and many physicians suggested the development of educative programs about use of antibiotics. Conclusion: There is insufficient knowledge about adequate use of antibiotics in the community, more than a half of participants received an antibiotic prescription by the physician and three quarters would go to the health care center if they presented upper respiratory tract symptoms. Almost all physicians prescribed antibiotics more than once every day, they agreed that antimicrobial resistance is a public health problem, and it is necessary to reinforce training in antibiotic prescription.