Knowledge on Antimicrobial Resistance and Its Associated Factors Among Primary Care Doctors in Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. In Malaysia, evidence indicates substantial inappropriate prescribing in primary care (PC), yet information on doctors’ AMR knowledge remains limited. Identifying this gap is important to inform training and policy efforts to reduce AMR. This study assessed AMR knowledge among Malaysian PC doctors and its associated factors.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Malaysian PC doctors using a validated 12-item questionnaire. Data were collected from December 2024 to February 2025. Bivariate and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed to identify factors associated with AMR knowledge.

Results:

Responses from 256 participants showed a mean knowledge score of 9.9 (SD = 1.69). Overall knowledge was good, but awareness of antibiotic use in agriculture and the economic impact of AMR was lower. In MLR, working experience was the only factor significantly associated with knowledge (B = 0.049, 95% CI = 0.009–0.089, p = 0.015), reflecting a modest increase in knowledge with increasing years of practice.

Conclusions:

The association between working experience and knowledge suggests that clinical exposure contributes to better understanding of AMR. The lack of association with other factors, including prior training and AMS programmes, should be interpreted cautiously and may reflect variability in content, implementation or how knowledge was assessed. Although AMR knowledge was generally good, gaps remain in key areas. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational and policy strategies that incorporate practical approaches may help promote judicious antibiotic use and reduce AMR.