Antibiotics Use and Resistance: Assessment of Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in District Peshawar

Abstract Introduction: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to improper antibiotic use. Bacteria may infect humans and animals and are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a major health issue and has grown to be a global phenomenon. Objectives: This study assesses maternal knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antibiotic use, the frequency of antibiotic usage without physicians 'prescriptions, and the association of knowledge, attitude, and practices with demographic variables. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted in Private Teaching Hospitals from 12 June 2023 till 21 October 2023. A total of 377 mothers were included. Non-probability serial sampling technique was used. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables such as frequencies and percentages. Means and standard deviation were used for knowledge, attitude, and practices. The chi-square test assessed the association between demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and practices, keeping statistical significance at 0.05. The confidence interval was reported for each variable understudy. Result: The maternal mean age was 27.74±4.9 years, and the mean number of children was 2.63±1.27. The mother’s knowledge of antibiotic usage was good, with 73%; however, 82.5% were ignorant, and 31.6% used antibiotics without prescription. Attitudes regarding possible consequences of resistance to antibiotics were quite concerning, with 76.18%. However, practices were very good, with 89.46%. Age and education were statistically significant in their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge of antibiotic usage and practices was sound. However, knowledge of "antibiotic resistance" and "attitudes" was poor.