Understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Stewardship Among Community Members in the Uganda Luwero District

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing issue worldwide, directly contributing to more than one million deaths each year. Developing countries like Uganda rely on the continued effectiveness of antimicrobials to combat endemic diseases. This study investigated antimicrobial resistance awareness and antibiotic use behaviors among members of the Luwero district in Uganda. An electronic survey was administered to community members in Uganda's Luwero district, the survey tool included questions reflecting aspects of antibiotic stewardship such as how often antibiotics should be taken, dose completion, and rational use. It was found that very few respondents correctly defined antimicrobial resistance and many stopped taking antibiotics when they felt better. There was no significant relationship found between level of education and the variables of interest. Knowledge gaps regarding appropriate use and frequency of dosing of antibiotics were observed among respondents. Education was found to not be associated with accurate knowledge of antibiotic use, reflective of the lack of educational initiatives regarding AMR in Uganda. Further investigation is necessary to more fully illuminate antibiotic use and stewardship in this region.