Assessment knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers and residents related to antimicrobial resistance in Al-Suwaria city, Wasit Governorate, Iraq: a cross-sectional study
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of today's biggest public health challenges. Fighting this global public health threat requires cross-sector cooperation. Thus, this study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of inhabitants and health care workers (HCWs) in Al-Suwaria City at Wasit province, Iraq about AMR. Methods: This study used 125 random contributors for cross-sectional analysis from January to April 2024. A questionnaire gathered participants' demographic information, as well as their antibiotic resistance knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The data was analyzed using a Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Results: According to knowledge evaluation questions, only 43.75% demonstrated a good understanding of AMR. There are also knowledge gaps in the ability to use antibiotics to treat viral infections (24.0%) and tackle antibiotic resistance by discovering novel medicines (56.0%). Additionally, high rates of participants (50.4%) strongly agreed on the need to governor over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic administration, while 47.2% had weak attitudes toward healthcare professionals' infection control practices combating AMR in their region. Regarding practices to AMR, our findings showed that 57.14% of responders had insufficient procedures. While the knowledge and attitude of the participants in this study were significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.01), the knowledge and practices (p = 0.266) and attitudes and practices (p = 0.6072) did not show a significant correlation (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: An educational intervention tailored to individuals and HCWs' sociodemographic and professional characteristics is needed to bridge theory and practice and enhance attitudes and practices.