Assessment of awareness and practice gaps related to antimicrobial resistance among medical practitioners

Ishan Sane; Jessica Gupte; Yogita Karandikar

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263689

Authors

Ishan Sane Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Jessica Gupte Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Yogita Karandikar Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263689

Keywords:

Antimicrobial resistance, Antimicrobial stewardship, Prescribing practices, AMR awareness

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat driven largely by irrational antibiotic use and inadequate antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Clinicians play a pivotal role in combating AMR. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AMR among doctors in a tertiary care setting in India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 medical practitioners from government and private healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use and AMR. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

Results: Overall knowledge and attitudes were satisfactory. Most participants recognized hand hygiene as essential in preventing AMR (95.1%), and 79.3% were aware of hospital AMS programs. However, knowledge gaps existed regarding antibiotic escalation-de-escalation (36.1%) and the WHO AWaRe classification (30.8%). A majority opposed prescribing antibiotics based on patient demand (91.5%) and supported mandatory AMS training (91.8%). While 84.3% reported never prescribing antibiotics due to patient pressure, 66.5% discontinued empiric therapy after negative culture reports.

Conclusions: Despite good knowledge and positive attitudes, gaps persist in stewardship implementation. Strengthening training, diagnostics, and guideline adherence is essential to bridge the knowledge practice gap and address AMR effectively.

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