Antibiotic Use and Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance Among Adults

Abstract

Antibiotic misuse is an important public health concern because it contributes to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study examines antibiotic use and awareness of antimicrobial resistance among adults. Information is assessed on antibiotic consumption, self-medication, prescription practices, treatment completion, reasons for use, and sources of medicine-related information. Awareness is evaluated through knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use, resistance development, treatment failure, and the risks associated with unnecessary or incomplete antibiotic therapy. The findings suggest that inappropriate practices, including self-medication, use of antibiotics for viral illnesses, sharing medicines, and stopping treatment early, remain common among some adults. Limited understanding of antimicrobial resistance may further encourage unsafe antibiotic use. The study highlights the importance of public education, responsible prescribing, pharmacist counseling, and adherence to professional medical advice to improve antibiotic practices and reduce the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance within the general population.