Estimating awareness of health care workers and degree of implementation of antimicrobial resistance policies; a cross-sectional study from Egypt

Background: The problem of Antimicrobial resistance crises (AMR) is a threat to health and economy. Misuse of antimicrobials in human, animals and plants, lead to evolution of more aggressive bacterial strains that are resistant to most of known antimicrobials. Projections suggest that the problem will cause economic inequality, and numerous speculations about a near health crises mostly in developing countries where the burden of resistance is highest. The objective of this study is to assess awareness and degree of implementation of world health organization WHO strategies of antimicrobial resistance; an initiative for improvement. Methodology: analytical, cross- sectional study that employed interviews for implementation of the research. Results: 100% of HCW are aware of antimicrobial resistance problem. 45% of physicians have their policy in treatment with antibiotics while 35% have no policies at all. Regarding training in infection control, only nurses received training about infection control while other HCW do not. Infection control practitioners are the only ones aware of surveillance and research in infection control; while others do not. Conclusion: Global action plan objectives of WHO are partially implemented. Lack of standardized policies and regulations in antibiotic stewardship, infection control; in addition, absence of programmed training for physicians about infection prevention control are among the main finding in impeding the application of WHO objectives.