KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF USING ANTIBIOTICS AMONG THE POPULATION OF SEMEY CITY OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION
Background: The growing resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs is a global public health problem, and ignoring the problem of antibiotic resistance can lead to not only medical, but also serious environmental consequences. One of the most important causes of antibiotic resistance is a significant increase in the frequency of antibiotic use. Antibiotics are the only group of drugs that are used unreasonably in 50% of cases. Aim: to assess knowledge concerning the use of antibiotics among residents of Semey city, East Kazakhstan. Methodology: We conducted a cross - sectional study among the population of Semey city between October and December 2021. The study involved residents of the city without medical education. Knowledge concerning the use of antibiotics was assessed using questions adapted from a validated WHO questionnaire used in a multi - country survey. The age profile of participants was summarized by calculating the median age and the interquartile range in years. Categorical variables including the general characteristics of participants (sex, marital status, education level, employment), knowledge about the use of antibiotics and responses on questions about the use of antibiotics in different conditions, were summarized using frequencies and percentages. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 159 adults with a median age of 37 (IQR 35-44) years, were enrolled in the study. 31 percent of residents purchased antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. 25.1% responded that they should stop antibiotics when they feel better. Cold and flu was identified by 65.4% of respondents as condition that can be treated with antibiotics. Conclusion: There is inadequate knowledge concerning the indications for antibiotics and their appropriate usage. Public health workers are needed to educate the population about appropriate antibiotic use and reduce their irrational use.