Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) study regarding antimicrobial use guidelines of ICMR among doctors working in primary, secondary, tertiary healthcare facilities in a tribal area of North Odisha

Background: Antimicrobial resistance occurs with irrational use of antimicrobials, self-medication, and misuse of drug. Using data from ICMR's AMR surveillance, ICMR has developed evidence-based treatment guidelines for the treatment of 10 syndrome and infection. Aims and Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the use of antimicrobials according to ICMR guidelines among doctors working in a tribal area of North Odisha. Methods: A self-administered 18-question KAP survey tool was provided to total 53 doctors working in primary, secondary, tertiary healthcare facilities. The study systematically was done at the primary health center (in Rangamatia) and then upgraded primary health center (in Kisantandi), then community health center (in Bangiriposi) and finally medical college (PRM Medical College, Baripada) from June to August. Data were collected regarding how they are practicing use of antimicrobials in Prophylaxis and treatment of surgical site infections. Use of antimicrobials for upper respiratory tract infection For management of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Results: We discovered that most of the doctor's, i.e., 77% are unaware about the ICMR guideline while 13% know very well. In case of attitude of doctors toward ICMR guideline of antimicrobial use, it is found that majority of them, i.e., 90%, have very good attitude. So while 5% of doctors have no attitude toward the guideline. But when it comes to practice according to ICMR guidelines, a majority of doctors i.e., 58% fared well. Conclusions: Our findings indicate dissonance between knowledge and practices among doctors. So there needs to be much more widened awareness program so that the treatment guideline can be reached near the doctors working in tribal areas.