Assessing the Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Interventions Among Schoolchildren in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health issue. Like other low- and middle-income countries, the misuse of antimicrobial medicine, including widespread self-medication, exacerbates AMR in Bangladesh. Making future generations aware of AMR through educational interventions is an effective tool in combating AMR. This research focuses on understanding the effects of AMR awareness interventions on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the schoolchildren in the selected district of Bangladesh. Methods: In this study, 241 students of the 12- to 16-year-old age group participated in a two-day program. The programs include four hours of activities, including reading comics and coloring books, presentations, quizzes, and watching an animation about AMR on the first day, followed by an art competition on the second day. To assess changes in knowledge earlier and after the intervention, pre- and post-tests were conducted. Results: This pilot study demonstrates that using age-appropriate interactive educational tools can significantly improve students’ knowledge about AMR, showing a mean difference of 1.28 (p < 0.001). The regulatory step of the Directorate General of Drug Administration, incorporating red identification marks on antibiotic packaging, makes it easier and shows that 93.36% of students could identify antibiotics, which helps them to be aware of these types of medicines. Interventions were equally effective for boys and girls and science and commerce students, and these helped participants recognize the inappropriate practices of antibiotic use in their daily lives. Conclusions: This study identified the importance of incorporating AMR issues into the educational curriculum to address AMR for future generations.