KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG NURSES AND PARAMEDICS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN PARACHINAR.A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a growing global health threat, fueled by misuse of antibiotics and insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers. Nurses and paramedics play a critical role in promoting rational antibiotic use and preventing the spread of resistant pathogens. Understanding their knowledge and practices is essential to design effective interventions.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic resistance among nurses and paramedics working in public and private hospitals in Parachinar, Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 100 nurses and paramedics with at least six months of work experience were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge, and practices related to antibiotic resistance. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied using SPSS version 24.

Results: Most participants were nurses (96%), aged 20–30 years (69%), and had 2–3 years of work experience (82%). The majority had received formal training on antibiotics (91%). Knowledge of antibiotic resistance was high: 72.5% understood the concept, 97.1% recognized overuse as a major cause, and 100% were aware of its public health consequences. Practices related to patient education and prescription monitoring were excellent, with over 96% consistently educating patients and checking antibiotic history. However, adherence to infection control measures was suboptimal, with only 38% always following protocols.

Conclusion: Nurses and paramedics in Parachinar demonstrated strong knowledge and generally good practices regarding antibiotics. Nevertheless, inconsistent infection control practices indicate a need for targeted training and hospital policy reinforcement to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens.