Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Antibiotic Usage and Resistance among People Attending Primary Healthcare in Rwanda.

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to public health with sub-Saharan Africa facing a substantial burden. Our study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic usage and resistance among people attending primary healthcare facilities in Rwanda.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted at three health centres in Kigali, and it involved 246 individuals. We used a close-ended questionnaire for data collection. The levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices were calculated as proportions of correct answers, with high, good, or positive being greater or equal to 70%. The chi-square test was used to find the association between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes and practices.

RESULTS

Among 246 participants, 8 (3.2%) and 51 (20.7%) had high knowledge of antibiotic usage and antimicrobial resistance respectively. In addition, 81 (32.9%) had a positive attitude and 97 (39.4%) had good practices. Attitudes were significantly positive in males (p = 0.003) and among individuals with a university education (p = 0.007). Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance was significantly high in males (p-value = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Limited levels of knowledge, attitude and practices on antibiotic usage and resistance were found, with women having lower levels in multiple aspects. Strategies to promote rational use of antibiotics ought to address social inequities.