COMBATING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: NURSES KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANTIBIOTIC USE AND PREVENTION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AT PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR (AJK)

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of nurses towards antibiotic use and prevention from its resistance and highlighting the significance of their knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic stewardship.

Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024.The data were gathered from 242 nurses of different public sector hospitals of Kashmir region of Pakistan through validated and reliable questionnaire (α > 0.70). Descriptive and Inferential statistical analysis were applied to analyze the data.

Results: The Findings showed that 66.9 % nurses have good knowledge and 65.7% have positive attitude towards antibiotic use and resistance prevention. But more than half of nurses were unaware about resistance mechanism of antibiotics and stewardship strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance. There was no significant correlation of knowledge and attitude observed (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Nurses play a significant role in combating antibiotic resistance. The research pinpoints knowledge gap among nurses regarding resistance mechanisms of antibiotic and stewardship strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance burden, emphasizing the need for constant professional development and directed training programs.