Antibiotics in the times of COVID 19’- A Mixed-Methods study among patients attending OPD of an Urban Health Centre of West Bengal

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotic Resistance has become a global threat attributable to the overuse and misuse of Antibiotics and
exacerbated by the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Objective: Present Mixed Methods study, envisages finding out the
knowledge and practice regarding Antibiotic usage and exploring changes if any brought about due to the pandemic
among patients attending OPD of an Urban Health Centre in Kolkata. Method: Study was conducted from May to July
2021, in the urban field practice area of the institute. The quantitative component was evaluated by interviewing 200
patients using a pretested questionnaire and the Qualitative component was evaluated up to the point of data saturation in
3 FGDs. SPSS was used to analyze the Quantitative component, while the Qualitative component was analyzed
thematically. Results: Among the 200 participants, self-medication with Antibiotics was seen in 74.0%; 26.0% had
satisfactory Knowledge regarding Antibiotics and their use, whereas only 19.5% had satisfactory Practice regarding the
same. Education and Health Literacy Score were significant predictors associated with unsatisfactory Knowledge and
Practice regarding Antibiotic usage patterns. Economic constraints, Lack of transportation during the lockdown, and fear
of institutional quarantine were some of the major factors which further contributed to Antibiotic misuse during the
COVID19 pandemic. Conclusion: Advocacy for increasing health literacy, overall literacy status, and awareness
regarding the perils of Antibiotic Resistance using appropriate IEC by health providers would be beneficial in the long run
to prevent Antibiotic resistance. With that said, strict government regulations along with curbing the fallacies in the health
system would further aid in making people use Antibiotics wisely.