P-61 Public knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic usage and resistance in Barbados

Methods: A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices among Barbadians towards antibiotic resistance using a piloted 30-point structured questionnaire distributed via SurveyMonkey, January-March 2025 was conducted. Descriptive statistics, in addition to bivariate and multivariate analysis, was systematically employed throughout this research endeavour to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the data collected.

Results: Data from 444 respondents (70.7% F and 27.6%M) was analysed using the 2010 census data of Barbados adults. 26.6% (109) achieved high knowledge scores, while 73.4% (301) scored moderately. No respondent scored poorly. A statistically significant difference was observed between ages 18–24 and 65–75 (p=0.044). However, χ² showed no overall significant association between age and knowledge category (p=0.650). The mean attitude score was 31.27 ± 3.87 indicating moderate perceptions of AMR and AMU. A statistically significant association exists between attitude and knowledge (p=0.004) and practice (p=0.039), although the relationship between attitude and practice is weak. Regarding practice, 30.9% exhibited poor, and 37.2% moderate to good scores. ANOVA indicated significant practice differences across age groups (p<0.001). Regarding educational attainment and income levels, significant disparities (p<0.001) were noted. A non-significant association between practice quality and knowledge scores (p=0.686) and a Bayesian correlation revealed moderate negative relationship between antibiotic practices.

Conclusion: Barbadians exhibit moderate to high knowledge and awareness of antimicrobial resistance. This knowledge however, does not consistently translate into appropriate antibiotic practices. Socio-demographic factors, particularly age, education, and income, appear to exert greater influence on practices than knowledge alone. These