KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF NURSES REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP IN NORTH LEBANON: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT: Background: Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global issue. Several associations are supporting the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in all hospitals. This program is multidisciplinary in its nature however, nurses are often not included in the antibiotic stewardship team. The role of nurses in antibiotic stewardship needs further development, and additional information is needed regarding gaps in nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic stewardship. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing staff regarding antibiotic stewardship in North Lebanon and identify the barriers that prevent their participation. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 120 nurses working in four hospitals in North Lebanon. The survey included 29 questions addressing (1) demographic and professional characteristics; (2) knowledge and attitude about antibiotic stewardship; (3) delivery of antimicrobials; (4) knowledge and attitude about antimicrobial use, (5) and knowledge and attitude about antimicrobial resistance. Results: In total, 100 staff nurses (33.3%) responded to the survey. 60% of the nurses were familiar with the term antibiotic stewardship and 57% received training in this subject, however, gaps in their knowledge were recorded. Almost all nurses (97%) believed they should be involved in antibiotic stewardship interventions. There was no association between years of experience or level of education with being familiar with ASP. Conclusion: This study showed that although many nurses are familiar with the term antibiotic stewardship, their overall knowledge of core elements and their potential roles in AS were limited. In addition, nurses stated that concerns over physician pushback and knowledge of antibiotics as barriers to their participation in the program. The results highlight the need for further education to fill the gaps in their knowledge