Knowledge, Attitude and Prescription Practice on Antimicrobials Use
among Physicians: A Cross-sectional Study in Zhejiang, China
Abstract
Introduction: Over-prescription of antimicrobials for patients is a
major driver of bacterial resistance. The aim of the present study was
to assess the knowledge, attitude and prescription in relation to
antimicrobials among physicians in the Zhejiang province in China, and
identify the determining factors. Methods: A total of 600 physicians in
public county hospitals and township health institutions were surveyed
cross-sectionally using a structured electronic questionnaire. Results:
The questionnaire was completed by 580 physicians and accordingly, the
response rate was 96.67%. The mean score of 11 terms related to
antimicrobial knowledge was 6.81, and that an average of 32.1% of
patients with upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) would be
prescribed antimicrobials. Multivariate analysis indicated that young
general practitioners with less training are more likely to contribute
to high antimicrobial prescriptions (P<0.05). Older physicians
with more trainings are more willing to provide patients with the
correct knowledge regarding antimicrobials and less likely to prescribe
antimicrobial s to URIs. The results of the correlation analysis showed
that a positive connection was found between the doctor’s knowledge,
attitude and prescription practice (P<0.05). Conclusion:
Proper prescription of antimicrobials depends on adequate knowledge and
regular training programs for physicians.