Factors Predicting Antibiotic Use Behavior among Village Health Volunteers

Abstract

This predictive correlational research aimed to study the factors predicting antibiotic use behavior among village health volunteers. The samples consisted of 148 village health volunteers living in Talat subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The samples were selected by purposive sampling method. The research instruments were questionnaire which developed by researcher. The content validity and reliability of the knowledge questionnaire was analyzed by using KR-20 at 0.64. The attitude and antibiotic use behavior questionnaire were also analyzed by using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient at 0.77 and 0.81, respectively. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient and Stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The results revealed that 72.3% of samples had a good level on antibiotic use behavior. When each factor was considered, it was found that the two predisposing factors were statistically significantly associated and could predict antibiotic use behavior. The attitude (ß = 0.388, p < .001) and the knowledge toward antibiotic use (ß = 0.173, p < .05) were significantly positively correlated and could predict antibiotic use behavior at the level of 21% (R2 = 0.210, p < .001). The result of this study could be used as guideline to develop the antibiotic smart use behavior promoting program for village health volunteers and they could be able to convey the knowledge about rationales for using antibiotics to people in community.