Cross-sectional study: knowledge assessment of youth regarding the global public health threat of antibiotic resistance

BackgroundAntibiotics bestow huge benefits by reducing the duration and severity of bacterial infections. However, their extensive use has made bacteria resistant to most antibiotics, leading to the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms or superbugs. Antibiotic resistance is accelerating at a rapid-fire pace and has become a distressing worldwide public health concern. There is a lack of public awareness on this issue. Youth in the age group 13-26 are at a stage in their lives where they are forming attitudes and behaviours that can be long lasting, and addressing AMR requires sustained efforts over the long term. Also, youth often form close peer networks, influencing each other. Hence, information from their study can constructively contribute towards the development of policies that address AMR at both the individual and societal levels.AimThe aim of the current study is to assess the knowledge of youth regarding the global public health threat of antibiotic resistance and to propose schemes to increase individual awareness about the same.Subject and methodsA survey-cum-awareness study was done on a sample size of 1000 randomly selected urban young literate individuals from a science and non-science background studying in Delhi-NCR to assess the awareness regarding rational antibiotic use and growing AMR. Statistical tests were performed to find the association between factors, including stream of study, age and education status, with respect to awareness of antibiotic usage and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).ResultsThere were significant differences between science and non-science students with respect to knowledge regarding appropriate antibiotic usage in relation to education status and age but not with respect to gender. In multiple logistic regression analysis with awareness score, college students of science stream were significantly associated with awareness regarding antibiotics usage. Students in the age groups 18 and above and at higher education levels were several folds more aware.ConclusionThere is a need for initiatives to fill in the 'deficit' in knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance, its consequences and to discourage improper use of antibiotics by the public to maintain current antibiotic effectiveness, in line with antibiotic stewardship strategies as proposed in the National Action Plan for controlling the spread of AMR.