Attitudes of dental practitioners towards antimicrobial therapy in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nThe objective of this study was to assess perceptions and attitudes among dental practitioners in relation to antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance.\n\n\nMETHODS\nSelf-administered questionnaire was given to dental practitioners employed in south Croatia, west Herzegovina and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (N=115).\n\n\nRESULTS\n81.7% of respondents agreed the usage of antimicrobials is frequently uncritical and unnecessary. 83.5% of dental practitioners reported that have used guidelines in their practice, however, only 9 out of 115 stated valid guidelines. One third of the respondents agreed or were undecided that the usage of antimicrobials in every oral inflammatory process treatment is justified. Furthermore, 13% was undecided and 26% agreed that pregnant women and breastfeeding women should not use any antimicrobials. However, three quarters of respondents considered they had satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials.\n\n\nDISCUSSION\nThe respondents considered they had satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials, which was in contrast with the knowledge shown, but also expressed the need for additional education. Therefore, adequate measures include the creation of the local guidelines, their implementation, and updating the practitioners knowledge on antibiotic use and resistance through continuous educational courses.