Public knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding antibiotics use in Punjab, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: Public awareness about antibiotics use is critical in antimicrobial resistance. We evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the general population of Punjab, Pakistan in this cross-sectional study. 

Methods: We used a 50-item questionnaire to collect information on participant demographics, knowledge, and attitudes about antibiotics use and to evaluate the practices of taking antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

 Results: Of the 2106 participants who completed surveys, 35.4% thought antibiotics could cure viral infections; 47.5% believed they are effective against cold and flu. Nearly 60% percent of respondents had self-medicated with antibiotics. Married people (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.285, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.004–1.643 p = 0.046), higher antibiotics use knowledge (AOR = 0.818, 95% CI: 0.674–0.993 p = 0.042), ever purchased antibiotics without a physician’s prescription (AOR = 2.024 95% CI: 1.674–2.457 p ≤ 0.001) and storing antibiotics at home (AOR = 0.801 95% CI: 0.652–0.985 p = 0.035) were significantly associated with self-medication practices.

Conclusions: A high proportion of inappropriate antibiotics use exists among the general population of Punjab. Interventions are needed to improve health literacy and supervise antibiotics sales in retail pharmacies.