Assessment of Rural Community Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Rational Antibiotic Use in Kampung Baru Hamlet, Seko District

Abstract

Rational antibiotic use is essential for effective infection treatment and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), adverse drug reactions, and unnecessary healthcare expenditures. However, inappropriate antibiotic use remains a significant public health concern, particularly in geographically isolated rural communities with limited access to professional healthcare services. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of residents of Kampung Baru Hamlet, Seko District, North Luwu Regency, Indonesia, toward rational antibiotic use and to examine the relationship between these two variables. A quantitative descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 100 respondents selected from a population of 400 residents using the Slovin formula with a 10% margin of error. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic characteristics, antibiotic knowledge, and attitudes toward antibiotic use. Instrument validity and reliability were assessed using Pearson Product-Moment correlation and Cronbach’s Alpha, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test with SPSS version 21. The findings revealed that 73% of respondents had poor knowledge of rational antibiotic use, 20% had moderate knowledge, and only 7% had good knowledge. Similarly, 83% demonstrated poor attitudes toward appropriate antibiotic use, while 10% had moderate attitudes and 7% had good attitudes. Amoxicillin was the most frequently reported antibiotic, used by 51% of respondents, followed by ampicillin at 30%. The study also identified non-prescription antibiotic purchases from local kiosks, limited access to licensed pharmacies, misconceptions about antibiotics as pain relievers, and the premature discontinuation of treatment as factors associated with irrational antibiotic practices. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic use (p = 0.001), with a positive correlation coefficient of 0.237. These findings highlight the urgent need for community-based health education, improved access to qualified healthcare professionals, and stronger regulation of antibiotic distribution to promote rational antibiotic use and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance in remote rural communities.