Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study sought to provide a glimpse of the current knowledge and attitudes of general public towards irrational practice on antibiotic use. Methods: A cross sectional survey using self administered questionnaire was conducted starting from February to March 2009 at outpatient pharmacy department of Penang Hospital. Reliability tested with Cronbach’s α value 0.76. Statistical analysis done by using Statistical package for social sciences 13®. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 43 ± 14 years. Majority of the respondents were male (53.9%) as compared to female (46.1%). There was 28.9% (n=118) of the respondents had the experience of using antibiotic within one month before the survey was conducted. Statistically significant differences were noted between age group (p<0.027), race (p<0.014), and frequency of visit to clinic/pharmacy in the last 12 months (p<0.001) in response to the use of antibiotic within prior one month to the survey. There was more than half of the respondents (54.7%, n=223) shown to have moderate level of knowledge with median total score of knowledge 6. 28.9% (n=118) of them fall under category of having poor level of knowledge and only 16.4% (n=67) were considered as having good knowledge. A statistically significant difference of knowledge level were noted between age groups (p<0.003), races (p<0.001), levels of education (p<0.001) and monthly income (p<0.001). Poor level of knowledge was found in the younger generation age between 18-30 years old (39.8% vs others <32%), higher preponderance among Malays (36.1% vs others <34%), primary or lower educational level (53.8% vs others <36%) and income group RM<1000 (51.9% vs others <31%). Those who took antibiotic varied among age group with the highest use among the younger generation of 31-40 years old (36.3%) and 18-30 years old (32.3%). Conclusion: The data reflecting the area of inadequacy of public involvement in the misuse of antibiotic, a sound strategy could be planned to educate the public.

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