KAP Study

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Antimicrobial Resistance and Use among the Women Christian Fellowship (WCF) of UCZ, Matero

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a social issue influenced by human behaviour, and efforts to address it need community engagement. Bottom-up techniques can identify the local context of antibiotic usage, allowing for the creation of tailored solutions to reduce AMR in the community. Community engagement (CE) approaches enable individuals to take ownership of a problem and devise solutions that are viable, sustainable, and locally relevant. Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) play a key role in raising awareness and understanding of AMR in their communities, health facilities, and training centre’s. FBOs often work at the grassroots level and build close relationships with communities. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) on antibiotic use and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) assesses individuals’ understanding, beliefs, and behaviours linked to antibiotic usage and resistance development. Knowledge refers to an individual’s awareness and understanding of antibiotics, their proper usage, and the repercussions of resistance. Attitudes regarding antibiotics include perceptions of effectiveness, dangers, and advantages. Practices refer to how people use antibiotics, including adherence to prescriptions, self-medication, and related behaviours. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) in the Matero community.

Methods and Materials

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 30 respondents in Matero community. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotics use and AMR were collected through a structured questionnaire. Data collection took place at United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Matero congregation.

Discussion

We examined the current knowledge, attitudes and practices on antibiotic use in the Matero community of Zambia. From this it was noted that due to some education and training from the current ABR program the women have been attending there is some knowledge on why and how antibiotics should be used in a particular way. However, it was also clear that there has been a lack of understanding on what an antibiotic is and what it is used for. Furthermore, other practices embedded within the community such as cultural practices also play a role in the use of antibiotics in the community. These findings are consistent with past research that has highlighted the public’s persistent misconceptions and lack of information. As a result, initiatives aimed at increasing understanding should address these specific areas of misperception and provide factual information regarding the proper use of antibiotics. This study emphasizes the need for targeted educational efforts to dispel misconceptions and promote appropriate antibiotic usage. Increasing public awareness, fostering positive attitudes, and advocating proper actions can help maintain antibiotic effectiveness and manage AMR over time. For a more representative study there is need for the inclusion of men and the conducting of focus group discussions in order to understand and address the current knowledge and practices within the community

Results

There were 30 respondents, and all participants are women. Among them 27 participants had an education level of 12th grade or less, while 2 participants had vocational training or associated degree. One participant had no education at all. Majority of the participants were in the age category of 45 to 64. Marital status data indicated that approximately 57% of the respondents were widowed. More than 90% of the participants are either unemployed or employed in the informal. Except for one, all participants felt that antibiotics should be continued even if one felt better and should be stopped only when the course was completed as directed. Similarly, 29 out of 30 participants agreed that it was not okay to use antibiotics that were given to a friend or a family member, even if they were used to treat the same illnesses. More than four fifth participants would go to hospitals and pharmacies when they feel sick whereas, nearly one fourth participants would get antibiotics from family/friend or would use the left-over medications and more than one third had said that they would always self-medicate. Nearly 86% (25 out of 29) of the participants felt that antibiotics were widely used in agriculture (including food- producing animals) in Zambia. More than half of the participants (60% – 18 out of 30) have kept animals on their own or are involved in some kind of domestic farming.

Conclusions

The study identifies considerable gaps and misconceptions about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Matero. Public education campaigns and focused interventions are critical for increasing understanding, encouraging ethical antibiotic use, and combating the growing threat of AMR. Various media sources, including radio, TV, and social media, can effectively raise knowledge and promote favourable attitudes towards antibiotic use and AMR. More study is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of these therapies and build national plans to address AMR.

Public Health Implications

Easy access to prescription medications within the community increases the rate of the growing threat of AMR

There is urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the knowledge of antibiotics within the community