KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS ANTIBIOTIC USE IN PREGNANCY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

• Main Authors: Laiyla Shinwari, Attia Anwar, Rizwan Faisal, Syed Ali Sibtain
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Khyber Medical University 2018-03-01
• Series: Khyber Medical University Journal
• Subjects: Pregnancy; Antibiotic; Knowledge; Attitude; Fetus
• Online Access: http://www.kmuj.kmu.edu.pk/article/view/17678/pdf

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals (HPs) towards the use of antibiotic in pregnancy. To compare the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HPs towards the use of antibiotic in pregnancy on the basis of their area of practice and qualification. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at district Faisalabad of Pakistan. Out of 250 HPs approached, 210 HPs responded and filled the questionnaire. Data after collection was divided and analyzed on the basis of three categories: (i) based on overall response of the HPs (ii) based on area of practice of the HPs (urban & rural) and (iii) based on qualification of the HPs (consultants, postgraduate trainees, general practitioners & paramedics). RESULTS: HPs having sound knowledge regarding antibiotic use in pregnancy were 88% in urban and 58.5% in rural areas. Attitude was good in 83.5% urban and 67.8% of rural HPs. Practices of HPs were good in 71% of urban and 48.1% of rural areas. Results of the comparison based on the qualification of HPs were as follows; 99% consultants, 91.4% post graduate trainees, 87.6% general practitioners and 46.6% paramedics were good in knowledge; 94.2% consultants, 86.8% post graduate trainees, 87.9% general practitioners and 57.7% paramedics were found to be good in attitudes; 83.1% consultants, 71% post graduate trainees, 61% general practitioners and 29.6% paramedics were good in practices. CONCLUSION: Health professionals practicing in urban areas and more qualified HPs (consultants) were much better in knowledge, attitudes and practices of prescribing antibiotics in pregnancy.