Antibiotics, A panacea misused- survey based study.

Dr Sangeeta Ambhore; Dr Sapna Sonkurla; Dr Prajwalit Kende; Dr Pankaj Gupta.

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Antibiotics, A panacea misused- survey based study.

Dr Sangeeta Ambhore, Dr Sapna Sonkurla, Dr Prajwalit Kende, Dr Pankaj Gupta.

Abstract :

The discovery of antimicrobial agents to clinical medicine was one of the greatest eak through in the medical triumphs that revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. However the gradual development of population of antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria resulting from use, misuse and abuse of antimicrobials has today become a major concern in global health. Misuse and overuse of these drugs however have contributed to a phenomenon known as antibiotic resistance. Resistance to antibiotics develops when potentially harmful bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of these drugs. Emergency measures need to be taken not only to minimize the use of antimicrobials for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes but also to look for alternative strategies for the control of bacterial infections. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to antibiotic usage and resistance amongst dental Doctors in Government Dental Colleges, Private dental institutes and private practitioners across the country. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to antibiotic usage and resistance in Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai amongst 1000 Dental Doctors working in Government Dental College and Hospitals, Private Dental Institutes, Deemed Universities and Private Practitioners within a period of One month. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional questionnaire based online study was undertaken in Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai amongst a sample size of 1000 Dental Doctors in Government Dental Colleges, Private Dental Institutes, Deemed university and Private Practitioners across the country within a period of one month. These questions were analyzed using a 5 point Likert scale with responses ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Data obtained was subjected to Chi square test to determine significant difference. Results: Results obtained from this study were statistically evaluated for the evidence based conclusion. The response rate was 100% among the 1000 doctors who were asked to participate in the survey. 72% strongly agreed that Antibiotic Resistance is an important and serious public health issue facing the World/ country/ hospitals. Only 2.0% strongly disagreed that Antibiotic Resistance is a global problem. 75% of respondents strongly agree that Random prescription of antibiotics can lead to emergence of bacterial resistance. Conclusion: Antimicrobial Resistance in medicine has become routine issue. Bacteria have evolved multiple mechanisms for the efficient evolution and spread of Antimicrobial Resistance. Our survey revealed that most of the Doctors were aware of the antimicrobial resistance and its consequences. Those who were less aware needs to alter their prescription behavior. Clinical Significance: The issue of antimicrobial resistance is becoming global and therefore should be tackled with increasing the knowledge amongst the doctors so that the prescription habits can be restricted to the absolute required clinical situations, hence the life saving drugs will not be misused.