Abstract:
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a global phenomenon, mainly due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics. There are no studies in Lebanon to assess the public's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of antibiotic usage. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire completed by a random convenience sample of 500 people. Nearly half of the respondents (46.1percent) demonstrated moderate knowledge levels, while 40.6percent demonstrated moderate attitudes. Although 80.2percent knew that antibiotics are anti-bacterial, 73.5percent did not know that antibiotics are not anti-viral. Moreover, 68.3percent of respondents reported consuming antibiotics 1-3 times per year, while 22.4percent consumed antibiotics on their own accord. Approximately 66.7percent realized that abusing antibiotics could lead to resistance. Participant knowledge and attitudes were significantly associated with monthly family income, educational level, place of residency, having medical insurance, working in the health sector or having a relative working in the health sector. Nation-wide awareness campaigns targeting susceptible demographics should be initiated. © 2014 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.