OBJECTIVES

: Antibiotic resistance is a global issue and reduction of antimicrobial resistance requires change in antimicrobial prescribing behavior of health workers and physicians’ behavior. The current study aimed at assessing attitudes and perceptions towards antimicrobial prescribing, resistance, and their education about antimicrobial stewardship among Ethiopian medical interns.

METHODS

: A multi center cross-sectional institutional based survey was conducted from August 2017 to October 2017 among medical interns in Ethiopia. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess their attitude and perception. Data entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 for Windows. The analysis of answers for other questions involved descriptive quantitative statistics described using frequency and percentage. Chi-square tests were applied to compare between sites and the statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 as a cut of point.

RESULTS

: Out of the 278 questionnaires distributed, 270 were returned completed giving a response rate of 97.1%. Most of the participants 256 (94.8%) wants to have more education on Antimicrobial resistance. Majority of medical interns believed that there are over usage of Antibacterials nationally 245 (90.7%) and it is a national concern 252 (93.3%). A quarter 71 (26.3%) of interns can describe the correct range of coverage for Antibacterials, majority of participants 190(70.4%) does not know how to handle a patient who demands Antimicrobial therapy while it is not indicated and only 119 (44.1%) of interns found reliable sources of information to treat infections with a significant difference between institutions (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

: The current study demonstrates an enormous yearning of medical interns for further education about Antimicrobial stewardship. It is recommended that medical interns should acquire comprehensive scheduled up to date educational trainings. Medical institutions and other stakeholders are recommended to advocate curriculum and policies that build up Antimicrobial stewardship programs in the country.