Knowledge and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use among Adults in a Selected Barangay in Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is escalating due to factors such as incomplete adherence to prescribed dosages, procurement of antibiotics from unregulated sources, and the sharing of prescriptions. The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, driven by improper antibiotic use and limited public awareness, highlights the need to assess community knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use in Iloilo City. Aims: This study determined the knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use among adult residents in a selected barangay in Molo, Iloilo City, to identify specific gaps for public health interventions. Study Design: A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in a barangay at Molo, Iloilo City, during the second semester of Academic Year 2025-2026. Methodology: The study involved 100 adult residents selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated survey instrument covering demographic profiles, knowledge (15-item True/False/Don't Know format), and practices (4-point Likert scale). To determine the appropriate inferential statistical tool, the normality of the data was assessed. Because knowledge (p=.001) and practice (p=.006) scores violated the assumption of normality, Spearman’s rho was used to analyze the relationship between the two variables. Results: The respondents demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge (M=8.13, SD=2.77) and a moderate level of practice (M=2.63) regarding antibiotic use. Statistical analysis using Spearman’s rho revealed no significant relationship between knowledge and practice (r=-0.19, p=.058), indicating that higher knowledge does not necessarily translate to safer behavioral practices. While trust in medical professionals is high, the high prevalence of non-adherence suggests that immediate physical relief and social habits—such as sharing medication—outweigh scientific understanding. Targeted health literacy programs should leverage this existing trust to bridge the knowledge-practice gap. Conclusion: The community has a high level of trust in medical professionals but lacks a deep understanding of the pharmacological differences between antibiotics and other common medications. The high mean for non-adherence suggests that behavioral habits are likely influenced by immediate physical relief rather than scientific understanding. The insignificant relationship between knowledge and practice highlights a knowledge-practice gap. In this community, the high level of trust in medical professionals serves as an essential foundation upon which targeted health literacy programs can be built to address the existing knowledge-practice gap regarding antibiotic use.