Knowledge and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Resistance and Self-Medication Among Adults in Rural Wayanad, Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Inappropriate antibiotic use and self-medication contribute to antimicrobial resistance and remain important community-health concerns. This study assessed knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic resistance and self-medication among adults in selected rural areas of Wayanad, Kerala. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 118 adults aged 18–60 years selected by non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire comprising 15 knowledge items and 15 practice items, together with demographic and antibiotic-use characteristics. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics; associations were examined using the non-parametric analyses reported in the thesis, and the relationship between knowledge and practice scores was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: Most participants had average knowledge (86/118, 72.9%), followed by good knowledge (24/118, 20.3%) and poor knowledge (8/118, 6.8%). Practice scores were classified as average for 67 participants (56.8%), good for 49 (41.5%), and poor for 2 (1.7%). Fever (57.6%), cough (35.6%), and pain (34.7%) were the most frequently reported conditions associated with self-medication. Practice scores were significantly associated with age (p=0.001), gender (p=0.026), educational status (p<0.001), occupation (p=0.029), monthly family income (p=0.034), type of health facility accessed (p=0.009), and antibiotic use during the preceding 6 months (p<0.001). Knowledge and practice scores showed a weak negative correlation (Spearman’s r=-0.25, p=0.006). Conclusion: Adults in the selected rural areas predominantly demonstrated average knowledge and average practice scores. Community-focused education and practical measures supporting appropriate antibiotic use may help address unsafe self-medication.