# Examining the Perspectives and Attitudes Towards Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among the General Public in Muzaffarpur in Bihar, India

## TL;DR

This study explores public understanding and attitudes about antibiotic use and resistance in Muzaffarpur, India, revealing widespread use without prescriptions and misconceptions about antibiotic efficacy.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into public perceptions of antibiotic use in a specific Indian region, highlighting gaps in awareness and self-medication practices.

## Key findings

- Most participants believed antibiotics should be prescribed for different ailments but had mixed views on their effectiveness for coughs and colds.
- Over 90% agreed on completing prescribed antibiotic regimens and avoiding drug stockpiling.
- 90% of participants believed it was not advisable to obtain antibiotics from friends or family without consulting a doctor.

## Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to examine the current understanding and perspectives about the use of antibiotics among the general public living in the city of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and the surrounding areas.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2023 to August 2023 in Muzaffarpur. Data was obtained through interviews based on a standardized questionnaire derived from a prior study. The findings were summarized using descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages, and then presented in tabular form.

Results

This study recruited 384 participants in total; the majority of them (n=200, 52.1%) were females, while the remaining 184 (47.9%) participants were males. Our findings revealed that 368 (96%) participants agreed on the necessity of prescribing distinct antibiotics for the treatment of various ailments. Nevertheless, the participants held divergent perspectives regarding the efficacy of antibiotics in treating coughs and colds, as well as their effectiveness against viruses and bacteria. Overall, 354 (92.1%) participants agreed with the importance of finishing the prescribed antibiotic regimen, and 335 (87.2%) agreed that people should refrain from retaining drugs for future use. Of note, 90% of the participants (n=346) stated that they did not think it was advisable to get antibiotics from friends and family without first consulting a doctor.

Conclusion

The current study documented a prevalent utilization of antibiotics among the study participants, with a significant proportion of these medications being obtained without a prescription. The respondents demonstrated a general lack of understanding, particularly concerning the significance of antibiotics in treating mild viral illnesses.