Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat. Understanding public knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic usage is essential for educational campaigns combating AMR. This study evaluates public knowledge and awareness about antibiotics and AMR in Vie...

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Main Authors: Van Nhi Tran, Thuc Quyen Huynh, Pham Tuyet Nhi Nguyen, Thi Phuong Truc Nguyen, Hoang An Nguyen, Gregory Hurter, Si Tuan Nguyen, Minh Khoi Le, Minh Thong Le, Chan Khon Huynh, Phuong Thao Nguyen, Thi Thu Hoai Nguyen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-01-01
Series:Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2732494X2510034X/type/journal_article
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author Van Nhi Tran
Thuc Quyen Huynh
Pham Tuyet Nhi Nguyen
Thi Phuong Truc Nguyen
Hoang An Nguyen
Gregory Hurter
Si Tuan Nguyen
Minh Khoi Le
Minh Thong Le
Chan Khon Huynh
Phuong Thao Nguyen
Thi Thu Hoai Nguyen
author_facet Van Nhi Tran
Thuc Quyen Huynh
Pham Tuyet Nhi Nguyen
Thi Phuong Truc Nguyen
Hoang An Nguyen
Gregory Hurter
Si Tuan Nguyen
Minh Khoi Le
Minh Thong Le
Chan Khon Huynh
Phuong Thao Nguyen
Thi Thu Hoai Nguyen
author_sort Van Nhi Tran
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat. Understanding public knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic usage is essential for educational campaigns combating AMR. This study evaluates public knowledge and awareness about antibiotics and AMR in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online in December 2021, featuring 20 questions on antibiotics, AMR, and participants’ habits, attitudes, and potential solutions. The survey was distributed via social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, Viber, and WhatsApp. The target sample included Vietnamese working adults above 18 years old. Responses were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 21 and Microsoft Excel version 16.5. Participants were categorized into high, intermediate, and low knowledge levels based on their scores (>80%, 51–79%, and <50%). Results: A total of 866 Vietnamese adults participated. Most participants (90%) had moderate to high knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. However, only 32.8% knew that 75% of antibiotics are used in agriculture. Knowledge levels varied significantly across demographics such as gender, age, education, profession, and antibiotic use history. Healthcare-related professionals had significantly higher knowledge of antibiotics and AMR than nonhealthcare professionals (p < 0.001). Those with health-focused educational backgrounds also had higher knowledge levels (p < 0.001). Despite being aware that it was inappropriate, many participants reported discontinuing antibiotics before completing the course prescribed by their doctors. Conclusions: Age, education, profession, and antibiotic use history positively influenced AMR knowledge. However, even among health-related fields, understanding was only moderate. This indicates a need for enhanced public education to improve knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics and AMR.
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series Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology
spelling doaj-art-848466c2a39d4e52b4bc6c144dcb90d22025-08-20T03:58:37ZengCambridge University PressAntimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology2732-494X2025-01-01510.1017/ash.2025.10034Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional studyVan Nhi Tran0Thuc Quyen Huynh1https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7229-0441Pham Tuyet Nhi Nguyen2Thi Phuong Truc Nguyen3Hoang An Nguyen4https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4929-0187Gregory Hurter5Si Tuan Nguyen6Minh Khoi Le7Minh Thong Le8Chan Khon Huynh9https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5630-0369Phuong Thao Nguyen10Thi Thu Hoai Nguyen11https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4869-1827School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSaint Michaels College, Colchester, VT, USAThong Nhat Dong Nai General Hospital, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai province, VietnamUniversity Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biomedical Engineering, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSchool of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Abstract Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat. Understanding public knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic usage is essential for educational campaigns combating AMR. This study evaluates public knowledge and awareness about antibiotics and AMR in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online in December 2021, featuring 20 questions on antibiotics, AMR, and participants’ habits, attitudes, and potential solutions. The survey was distributed via social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, Viber, and WhatsApp. The target sample included Vietnamese working adults above 18 years old. Responses were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 21 and Microsoft Excel version 16.5. Participants were categorized into high, intermediate, and low knowledge levels based on their scores (>80%, 51–79%, and <50%). Results: A total of 866 Vietnamese adults participated. Most participants (90%) had moderate to high knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. However, only 32.8% knew that 75% of antibiotics are used in agriculture. Knowledge levels varied significantly across demographics such as gender, age, education, profession, and antibiotic use history. Healthcare-related professionals had significantly higher knowledge of antibiotics and AMR than nonhealthcare professionals (p < 0.001). Those with health-focused educational backgrounds also had higher knowledge levels (p < 0.001). Despite being aware that it was inappropriate, many participants reported discontinuing antibiotics before completing the course prescribed by their doctors. Conclusions: Age, education, profession, and antibiotic use history positively influenced AMR knowledge. However, even among health-related fields, understanding was only moderate. This indicates a need for enhanced public education to improve knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics and AMR. https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2732494X2510034X/type/journal_article
spellingShingle Van Nhi Tran
Thuc Quyen Huynh
Pham Tuyet Nhi Nguyen
Thi Phuong Truc Nguyen
Hoang An Nguyen
Gregory Hurter
Si Tuan Nguyen
Minh Khoi Le
Minh Thong Le
Chan Khon Huynh
Phuong Thao Nguyen
Thi Thu Hoai Nguyen
Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional study
Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology
title Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional study
title_full Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional study
title_fullStr Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional study
title_full_unstemmed Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional study
title_short Public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in vietnam: a cross-sectional study
title_sort public knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance amr in vietnam a cross sectional study
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2732494X2510034X/type/journal_article
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