Title : Awareness of antimicrobial resistance evaluating the impact of a foldscope based workshop
Abstract:
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern that threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and death. It is imperative to address this issue by increasing awareness and knowledge among young adults, as they are a crucial demographic in shaping future healthcare practices.
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a hands on workshop on spreading awareness of antimicrobial resistance. The workshop aimed to educate the students about the importance of understanding different types of cells and microorganisms, their interactions and co-existence. Thus assess the impact of the workshop on participants' knowledge related to microbes, infections caused by microbes, and antimicrobial resistance.
Methodology/approach: A portable paper folding microscope, Foldscope was used to enable the students explore the microflora around them. Using the tool, students gained a better understanding of different types of cells by making observations. The samples included the onion cell, potato cell, pollen grains, squamous epithelia and more. These observations helped them explain various sources of fever, that include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. An online survey link was sent to all the participants to assess changes in self-reported knowledge and behavior (outcomes) following the workshop, that included questions about the causative agents of fever, the remediation of fever, consuming antimicrobials without a prescription, and having leftover formulations. Of the 400 students who attended the workshop 60 % responded, 93.58 % participants' felt confident in using a microscope effectively, 82% responded that the experience bettered their understanding of microbes and their knowledge about antimicrobial resistance. A significant number 82.57% felt their likelihood of incorporating the workshop's content into their life as caregivers.
Findings: The dataset incorporates responses from individuals across various demographics, providing insights into the level of understanding and perception regarding AMR. The analysis of survey responses, aims to identify key factors influencing awareness, such as educational background, geographic location, and access to healthcare resources. The findings reveal varying degrees of awareness among the surveyed population, highlighting potential gaps in knowledge that need attention. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of media, educational campaigns, and healthcare professionals in shaping public awareness and understanding of AMR. The results of this research contribute valuable information for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and public health organizations to design effective strategies aimed at enhancing awareness and promoting responsible antimicrobial use. Addressing gaps in knowledge is crucial in the global effort to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by evaluating the effectiveness of these workshops on spreading awareness of antimicrobial resistance among young adults. The findings highlight the workshop's positive impact on participants' knowledge and skills, indicating its potential value in promoting awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating hands-on activities and interactive sessions to enhance participants' learning experience and skills development.
