Antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine: knowledge, perceptions, and training of clinical health professions students in Uganda
Loading...
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Square
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important global health concern, projected to
contribute to significant mortality, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the
knowledge, perceptions of clinical health professions students towards antimicrobial resistance and
rational use of medicine and confidence level to prescribe antimicrobials.
Methods: An online descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical health professions
students across 9 medical schools in Uganda. A semi-structured questionnaire using Kobo Toolbox form
was shared among participants via WhatsApp Messenger (Meta, California, USA). Knowledge was
categorized using modified Bloom’s cut-off. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and
logistic regression were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A
p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: We surveyed 681 participants, most were pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree
(n=433, 63.6%), with a mean age of 24 (standard deviation: 3.6) years. Most participants (n=596, 87.5%)
had sufficient knowledge about antimicrobial resistance with a mean score of 85 ± 14.2%. There was a
significant difference in mean knowledge scores of year 4 (86.6%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p=0.002)
and year 5 (88.0%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p<0.001). Most participants (n=456, 66.9%), were
confident on making an accurate diagnosis of infection, and choosing the correct antimicrobial agent to
use (n=484, 71.1%).
Conclusion: Health profession students exhibited good knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and high
self-perceived confidence on antimicrobial prescriptions however they still agreed that a separated course
unit on AMR is necessary.
Description
Keywords
Antimicrobial resistance, Rational use of medicine, Health profession students, Knowledge
Citation
Kanyike, A. M., Olum, R., Kajjimu, J., Owembabazi, S., Ojilong, D., Nassozi, D. R., ... & Kiyimba, K. (2022). Antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine: knowledge, perceptions, and training of clinical health professions students in Uganda. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1320775/v1