Community‑Based Health Education Intervention to Reduce Antibiotic Misuse in Urban Ghana (Amamorley, Ashongman)
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This project addressed the rising issue of antibiotic misuse in urban Ghana, especially self-medication with non-prescribed antibiotics. Its goal was to evaluate community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to antibiotic use and to implement an educational program to reduce misuse. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), the study used a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, focus groups, and educational campaigns in the Ashongman and Amamorley communities. Results showed that 75% of participants reported self-medicating with antibiotics before the intervention, which decreased to 49% afterward. This 26% reduction demonstrates the effectiveness of community-targeted education in promoting responsible antibiotic use. The project proved that culturally relevant awareness campaigns and visual tools can significantly lower non-prescribed antibiotic use. It highlights the vital role of community involvement, behavioral theories, and customized health communication in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).