Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Antimicrobial Resistance Among Pharmacy Personnel and Nurses at a Tertiary Hospital in Ndola, Zambia: Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes

Overview

Journal JAC Antimicrob Resist

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2022 Oct 13

PMID 36226225

Authors

Nanji Tembo

Steward Mudenda

Michelo Banda

Mwitwa Chileshe

Scott Matafwali

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem that has led to increased morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Zambia. This study evaluated AMR knowledge, attitudes and practices among pharmacy personnel and nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital, Zambia's second-largest hospital.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 263 participants using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS version 23.0. All statistical tests were conducted at a 95% confidence level. Univariate analysis was used to determine differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices on AMR between pharmacy personnel and nurses.

Results: Of the 263 participants, 225 (85.6%) were nurses and 38 (14.4%) were pharmacy personnel. Compared with nurses, pharmacy personnel had better knowledge of the spread of resistant bacteria from one person to another ( = 0.001) and the use of antibiotics in livestock as a contributing factor to AMR ( = 0.01). Pharmacy personnel had better attitudes towards AMR as a public health problem ( = 0.001) and the use of antibiotics in livestock as a source of resistant pathogens ( = 001). Lastly, more pharmacy personnel than nurses participated in awareness campaigns ( = 0.029), continued professional development ( = 0.001) and courses on the use of antibiotics and AMR ( = 0.028).

Conclusions: The study showed that most participants had adequate knowledge, a positive attitude and good practices towards AMR. Significant differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices were observed between pharmacy personnel and nurses in AMR, highlighting a need for increased educational programmes for these healthcare personnel.

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