Knowledge of Antibiotics Use among Lebanese Adults: A study on the influence of sociodemographic characteristics

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and antibiotic knowledge in the Lebanese population. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in community pharmacies across all Lebanese governorates. Data were collected by well-trained pharmacists through face-to-face interviews from January until March 2017. The survey tool was adapted from a questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. A knowledge index was computed for comparative purposes and a linear regression model was performed to assess factors associated with knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 623 participants were included in the analysis of this study (response rate: 90.6%). The mean antibiotic knowledge index was 12.5 ± 3.2 (minimum score: 3 and maximum score: 19). Higher knowledge score was inversely correlated with age (r = −0.118; P = 0.003), but no gender differences were reported (females: 12.6 versus males: 12.3; P = 0.191). However, statistically significant differences were found for residence type (P = 0.002), educational level (P <0.001) and total household income categories (P <0.001). The linear regression model showed a significant association between residence type and knowledge (urban versus rural: β = 0.793; P = 0.011). Furthermore, a higher knowledge index was significantly associated with a higher income combined with higher education (additive scale/β = 1.590; P = 0.025). Finally, interactions between income and age, gender and residence type were not significant. CONCLUSION: Individuals residing in urban areas, with combined high income and educational levels, are more knowledgeable about antibiotics use and resistance compared to other groups. More studies are needed to assess the interaction of sociodemographic interactions with health literacy.