Knowledge, Awareness and Practice of Antibiotic Use: A Cross-

Sectional Survey amongst the population of the Gaza Strip

Abstract

Background
Excessive antibiotic use leads to bacterial resistance, which is a growing problem
worldwide presenting a significant threat to public health globally.
Public awareness, attitudes and practice towards antibiotics play a vital role to achieve
effective treatment. Therefore, this study aims to assess the attitudes, awareness and
practice in antibiotic use among the general population.
Methodology:
This cross-sectional survey was performed using pretested self-administered
questionnaires, which were distributed and collected among public in places around the
Gaza Strip such as gardens and universities during August and September 2018. The
questionnaires had four domains, sociodemographic data, assessment of basic
knowledge about antibiotics, awareness of antibiotic use and practice of antibiotic use. To
test for significant differences in the participants’ awareness, independent t-test and
ANOVA were done
Findings:
From 1494 participants, 54.6% (n=815) were males and the mean age was 38.8+13.1
years. The sample contained a variety of educational levels as 38.4% (n=574) had
completed baccalaureus and 16.7% (n=250) had completed less than 10 years of
education.
Assessment of knowledge about basic information of antibiotics revealed poor knowledge
(six or less points of the total 18) in 19.7% (n=295) of participants. On the other hand,
12.3% (n=184) demonstrated good knowledge (twelve or more points of 18).
Accordingly, 38.6% (n=576) of participants showed poor attitudes (three or less points of
the total of 10), while 13.5% (n=201) demonstrated good attitudes in using antibiotics
(seven or more points 10).
Interestingly, 43.3% (n=648) of participants reported poor antibiotic practices (six or less
points of 18), while only 7% (n=102) showed good practices (twelve or more points of
18). The total antibiotic awareness score which combines basic knowledge, attitudes and
practice of participants towards antibiotics showed that 22% had poor, 73% moderate,
and only 5% good overall antibiotic awareness.
Male gender and lower age group had significant statistical correlations with higher
awareness levels toward antibiotics (p value>.05)
Interpretation:
This study identified some crucial gaps in participants' basic knowledge and use of
antibiotics, which could contribute to increasing antibiotic resistance. Therefore, a need
for educational interventions exists. Such efforts could play a significant role in increasing
the effective use of antibiotics.
The main strengths of this study is the large and diverse sample, including participants
from across the Gaza Strip. .