Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use Among the Public in Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey

Abstract

Background: There is random antibiotics use in the Al-Muthanna Governorate especially in the unauthorized clinics. The aim of the study is to investigate the levels of knowledge and the behaviors of Almuthanna Governorate Public regarding antibiotics, and to investigate the presence of common factors between them. Methods: A survey was conducted on a self-selected web sample disseminated via social media of 175 samples for both genders. The samples were obtained from Almuthanna Governorate. The study was conducted during the month of July 2024. The study included questions on demographic characteristics, knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance, attitudes and behaviors toward antibiotic. Results: Generally, participants were asked what they think about antibiotics. Results showed 59.42% correctly identified antibiotics as a substance or compound that kills germs. The participants knowledge of the term antibiotic-resistant bacteria, 60% of the participants answered yes, and they have some knowledge about the term of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 70.9% of participants know that antibiotics are used in cases of infections in general. As for how to manage and deal with antibiotics, 52% of the participants said that they have a desire to read the special instructions for antibiotics, 65.7% answered that they have a desire to make sure of the expiry date of the antibiotic before purchasing, and 81.7% of the participants said that when they finish using the antibiotic, they usually dispose of it by throwing it in the household waste basket. Conclusion: The survey has led to knowledge of the attitudes and behaviors towards antibiotics among the population, and the initiative should provide education and practical means to change their behavior for the better in addition to correcting misconceptions.