Yin MoIvan SeahPei Shi Priscillia LyeXiang Lee Jamie KeeKien Yee Michael WongKwan Ki Karrie KoRick Twee Hee OngPaul A. TambyahAlex R. CookNational University Health SystemYong Loo Lin School of MedicineSingapore General HospitalNational University of SingaporeMahidol University2020-01-272020-01-272019-03-01BMJ Open. Vol.9, No.3 (2019)204460552-s2.0-85062584968https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/51833© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Objectives To study the correlation between knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of antibiotic consumption with epidemiology and molecular characteristics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) carriage, in order to identify modifiable factors and public health interventions to reduce prevalence of multidrug-resistant organism colonisation in the community. Design Cross-sectional questionnaire of KAP towards antibiotic use and collection of stool samples or rectal swabs. ESBL-PE isolates obtained underwent whole genome sequencing to identify resistance genes. Setting A densely populated community in Singapore. Participants There were 693 healthy community-dwelling questionnaire respondents. Out of which, 305 provided stool samples or rectal swabs. Results The overall knowledge of antibiotic use was poor (mean score 4.6/10, IQR 3.0-6.0). 80 participants (80/305, 26.2%) carried at least one ESBL-PE isolate. The most common ESBL-PE was Escherichia coli sequence type 131 carrying CTX-M type beta-lactamases (11/71, 15.5%). Living overseas for >1 year (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.9) but not short-term travel, recent hospitalisation or antibiotic intake was associated with ESBL-PE carriage. Interestingly, higher knowledge scores (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.9) and having no leftover antibiotics (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.9) were independent factors associated with ESBL-PE carriage in the multivariate logistic regression model. Conclusions While the role of trans-border transmission of antimicrobial resistance is well known, we may have to examine the current recommendation that all antibiotics courses have to be completed. Clinical trials to determine the optimum duration of treatment for common infections are critically important.Mahidol UniversityMedicineArticleSCOPUS10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023859