The awareness of antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance among out patints: A case study at Batheay referral hospital at kampong Cham Province, Cambodia

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have been increased each decade and become global concern. It would highly increase mortality and health care expenditure. High consumption and irrational use of antimicrobials would be the main causes of AMR. Thus, we would like to find out any phenomenon influencing on inappropriate use of drugs among the users at community. Method: This is cross-sectional study which conducted at out-patient unit at Batheay referral hospital at Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. A total of 450 samples were randomly invited and interviewed by using semi-structure questionnaire from 18 September to 18 October 2017. The data was coded and analyzed by SPSS version 22 program. Chi-square test was applied to find out associated factors. Results: Self-medication with antimicrobials was 49.4% and only 13.3% would know any information of antimicrobial use and resistance. Most of the information, they got from television, physician, radio and others. They used antimicrobials for common cold 28.3% (by prescription 19.0% vs self-medication 37.8%), follow by 50.6% used antimicrobials less than five days (by prescription 32.1% vs self-medication 69.5%) and until 54.2% stop using those drugs when they feel getting better (by prescription 35.7% vs self-medication 73.2%). There were significantly difference between inappropriate use of antimicrobials with prescription and without prescription. The common reasons of using antimicrobials without prescription such as, just minor illness, saving time, spend less money, live far from health facility. Occupation was significantly associated with self-medication and education levels, family income and used to hear of any AMR were significantly related with awareness of antimicrobial use and resistance information. Conclusion: Inappropriate use of antimicrobial was so high with low awareness of antimicrobial use and resistance information. There were several associated factors influencing on irrational use of antimicrobials in community patients. Education campaign among health care providers and consumers is needed. AMR information system and Adverse drug reaction (ADR) report system should be established and share into public. Antimicrobial regulation should be strengthening and clear guideline. Keywords: Antimicrobial, antibiotic, self-medication, out-patients, inappropriate use, awareness, Cambodia.