Analysis on the Prevalence and Practices of Antibiotic Misuse among Adult Residents of Rodriguez, Rizal: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Addressing the global public health threat that antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance pose to both the international community and the national health security of the country is of paramount importance. In line with the WHO's One Health Approach in combating AMR, it is important to recognize and assess the public's knowledge, attitudes, and practices to better understand the gaps, barriers, issues, and patterns present in terms of antibiotic use. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and practices of antibiotic misuse in the general population by assessing the knowledge and identifying the attitudes and practices of the adult residents in Rodriguez, Rizal, toward antibiotics. Methods: An explanatory mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) research design was utilized in this study. The research participants involved the adult (18-59 years old) residents of Rodriguez, Rizal, who do not possess a medical background. The quantitative phase involved a cross-sectional survey of 384 residents. The survey questionnaire consisted of four sections: knowledge, attitudes, practices toward antibiotics, and socio-demographic profile. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed with Stata version 17. The qualitative phase utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews with nine residents. The data obtained underwent thematic analysis using Microsoft Excel. Results: The study revealed that most residents were aged 18-29 years (39.06%), male (52.08%), and bachelor's degree holders (33.85%), with over half earning below ₱10,957 monthly (51.04%). Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) was highly prevalent (68.23%). Over half demonstrated excellent knowledge (51.56%) and attitude (60.94%), while nearly half (48.18%) exhibited moderate practices. Knowledge showed significant associations with sex, age, education, and socioeconomic status, and a positive linear relationship was observed between knowledge, attitude, and practice, though not between knowledge and practice. Qualitative findings revealed seven major themes, such as reliance on non-traditional information sources, limited awareness of antibiotic risks, healthcare and financial barriers, informal access, and non-adherence to prescriptions, which collectively help to better understand the high prevalence of self-medication observed quantitatively, and provide context for patterns in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Conclusion: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotic use among residents of Rodriguez, Rizal. Despite high awareness, nearly 70% practiced self-medication, often for viral infections, incomplete regimens, or through informal sources. Interviews revealed that misuse stems from sociocultural norms, economic pressures, and healthcare barriers rather than ignorance. These results underscore the need for stricter antibiotic regulation, improved healthcare access, and culturally sensitive education to promote rational antibiotic use and curb antimicrobial resistance in the Philippines.