The Effect of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Educational Module on Knowledge and Attitude Among Primary School Students in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a burgeoning problem worldwide. The trend of AMR has increased over the past decade. Health education and interventions with the goal of raising awareness and knowledge about AMR should be conducted to create a community that uses antimicrobial prudently and to slowdown the spread of resistance. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental research design with pre-test and post-test. Primary school students (standard 4-6) in Kota Belud, Sabah were divided into control and intervention group. Paired t-test was used to compare knowledge and attitude level between pre-test and post-test scores in each group. Independent sample t-test was used to compare two groups and to assess the effect of the AMR Module. Results: After AMR education, the intervention group showed a significant increase in knowledge level from the pre-test (mean=17.48, SD=3.73) to post-test (mean=21.71, SD=4.50) compared to control group’s pre-test (mean=13.76, SD=5.66) to post-test (mean=14.33, SD=4.75). Significant increase in attitude level was also reported from the pre-test (mean=27.90, SD=5.25) to post-test (mean=32.13, SD=5.16) compared to control group’s pre-test (mean=27.73, SD=5.31) to post-test (mean=27.75, SD=4.19). A significant difference was also recorded in the intervention and control group’s knowledge level (p<0.001) and attitude level (p<0.001) in pre-test and post-test respectively. Conclusion: Improvements in primary school students' knowledge and attitude on AMR demonstrate that AMR Module was an effective tool for teaching AMR topic. Adopting AMR education interventions as part of public health school intervention can build positive knowledge and attitudes on AMR among primary school students.