Abstract:

Objective   To analyze the cognition, attitudes and behavior of rural physicians on antibiotic use and explore the reasons and solutions for irrational use of antibiotics in rural medical institutions. Methods  A total of physicians were randomly sampled in  rural three-level medical institutions of Shandong Province of China，and surveyed with a questionnaire. The data of physicians’ cognition and behavior on antibiotic use and opinions of antibiotic overuse were analyzed. Results  The rates of participating in antibiotic trainings, using antibiotics for prevention and using antibiotics jointly were 82.78%, 59.36% and 65.78% respectively. Macrolides and third-generation cephalosporin were the main types used by physicians. The overuse of antibiotics was influenced by the factors of doctors, patients, health system and so on. Conclusion  It is necessary to improve physicians’ antibiotic-related knowledge and behavior  in rural three-level medical institutions,  especially in village clinics. Promoting antibiotic rational use needs the joint effort of physicians, health regulators and patients.

Key words: Physicians, Knowledge, Behavior, Antibiotic