Physicians? knowledge, attitudes, and practice concerning antimicrobial resistance & prescribing: a survey in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), globallyand nationally, is considered as a serious problem. We aimed toassessthe
knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians towards antimicrobial resistance.
Aim of the work To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians towards antimicrobial resistance in Egypt.
Study design A cross-sectional study.
Methods Thestudywasconducted onagroup ofphysiciansfromvarious specialties prescribing antibiotics in different hospitals
in Fayoum Governorate from January to December 2017. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires covering
four main areas (demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices). Knowledge score was calculated for 11
knowledge questions by giving one point for each correct answer with maximum score 11. Attitude score was calculated for
21 attitude questions by giving 2 for agree, 1 for neutral and 0 for disagree, with maximum score 42.
Results Mean knowledge score of 302 participants was 8.65 ± 1.69 out of 11. The main knowledge score was significantly higher
among physicians working at Fayoum University Hospital (FUH) than at other hospital types, among pediatricians and physicians of
internal medicine specialists than surgeons & obstetricians, and among participants reporting internet as a source of knowledge
(P<0.05). Mean total attitude score was 36.4 ± 4.47. Attitude score was significantly higher among physicians working at insurance
hospital, followed by those working at FUH, and physicians reporting internet as a source of knowledge (P< 0.05). Positive correlation
between knowledge and attitude scores was reported (r= 0.313, P= 0.001). About 33.8% declared that they prescribe antibiotics for
viral infections. With regard to factors affecting antibiotic prescribing, the most commonly reported were previous experience (85.4%),
antibiotic availability (68.2), guidelines (70.2%), and microbiological advice (55.6%).
Conclusion Despite good knowledge and appropriate attitudes of our participants, the practices of participants need to be improved