Awareness of Antibiotic Usage and Antibiotic Resistance: A Case  Study in Selangor, Malaysia

Nur Aisyah Zailani; Nur Faizah Abu Bakar; Siti Shahara Zulfakar

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Awareness of Antibiotic Usage and Antibiotic Resistance: A Case Study in Selangor, Malaysia

Author: Nur Aisyah Zailani ¹ ; Nur Faizah Abu Bakar ² ; Siti Shahara Zulfakar ¹
Author Information

1. Environmental Health and Industrial Safety Program, Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Centre for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Investigative Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Awareness, Antibiotic use, Residents, Selangor
From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.3):41-49
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Introduction: Adequate knowledge of antibiotics usage among users is one of the key factors preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains’ infections. This study is conducted to determine the level of awareness on antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance among the residents in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study that consisted of three parts: socio-demographic profile, antibiotic use awareness, and antibiotic resistance awareness. The questionnaire was distributed online using the snowball sampling method from January to March 2021. Results: A total of 239 respondents have participated in this study. The majority of the respondents involved were among the Malay youth residents in Selangor. Results showed that most residents in Selangor (65%) misunderstand that antibiotics can treat cold and flu. More than 44% of respondents also thought that antibiotic resistance could only occur to individuals who frequently take antibiotics and could not be spread to other people. Findings also showed associations (p<0.05) between the level of awareness on antibiotic resistance and the respondents’ socio-demographic profile (education level, household income and settlement category). A significant positive correlation was also observed between the level of awareness of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance (r=0.42, p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the Selangor respondents’ antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance level of awareness are moderate to high. However, there is still a need to increase awareness of antibiotic resistance and correct the misunderstandings among the public to help curb the antibiotic resistance issue from rapidly increasing in the future.