Antibiotic Use and Resistance Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude among Lebanese Population: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract Objective: This study aims to explore public knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of antibiotic use and resistance in Lebanon. Methods: A cross sectional analysis was conducted among the entire provinces of Lebanon. Online surveys and face-to-face interviews were carried out by the researcher from October to December 2023. Results: The sample size was 457, most of which were female 275 (60.2%). Almost all of the participants 435 (95.2%) used an antibiotic at least once in the past year, with self-medication 287 (62.8%) being the major source for antibiotic initiation, used mainly for the treatment of sore throat 208 (45.5%). 341 (74.6%) believed that antibiotics will always kill the same bacteria previously killed if used again. A multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed that age (p value= 0.011), gender (p value= 0.012), education level (p value= 0.000), and medical background (p value= 0.000) were significant. Conclusion: The findings showed lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the correct use of antibiotics and their resistance among the Lebanese population. This study revealed that younger age, female gender, and higher education along with medical background knowledge had a significant effect on awareness.