Knowledge, attitude and practice of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance: a study post the ‘Red Line’ initiative
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is propagated by irrational use of antibiotics by healthcare practitioners and the uninformed public. This study assessed a select cohort of 504 urban Indians for their knowledge, awareness and practice of antibiotic use and AMR. Forty seven per cent were unaware of the differences between over-the-counter drugs and antibiotics. One in four believes that dose-skipping does not contribute to AMR. One in ten tends to selfmedicate. One in five bought medicines without prescription or started an antibiotic course by calling a doctor. Our results mandate educational campaigns, stewardship and surveillance at the national level for prudent antimicrobial use in the Indian community.