Knowledge of Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Professionals

Infections can be treated with antibiotics, which have also saved countless lives. But whenever antibiotics are administered, they run the risk of having negative side effects and fueling antibiotic resistance that was a significant public health issue. The current study aimed to describe healthcare workers' knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance during the COVID-19 epidemic in the city of Riyadh and included an online survey that was disseminated on social media. About 78% of the healthcare providers in the present study had an average knowledge score of more than 75%, so most of them had good knowledge. Most of the healthcare professionals in the present study had good knowledge about bacterial resistance and antibiotic use, but there was still a knowledge gap on antibiotic use. Therefore, it is crucial to raise their awareness by attending conferences, lectures, and workshops.

Automated summary

The study aimed to assess healthcare workers' knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance during the COVID-19 epidemic. The results showed that most healthcare professionals had good knowledge about bacterial resistance and antibiotic use, but there was still a knowledge gap on antibiotic use. Therefore, raising awareness through conferences, lectures, and workshops is crucial.