EFFECTIVENESS OF NURSES' EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP ON NURSES' COMPLIANCE IN SELECTED HOSPITALS, CHENNAI.

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most serious global public health threats of the
21st century. The increasing prevalence of resistant microorganisms has led to treatment failures,
prolonged illness, increased mortality, and a rise in hospital-acquired infections. In India, the
situation is particularly alarming due to the widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics, easy
availability of medications without prescription, and inadequate adherence to infection control
practices. National surveillance data from the Indian Council of Medical Research highlight a
growing resistance among common pathogens, reducing the effectiveness of both first-line and
last-resort antibiotics. Overall, the rising prevalence and serious consequences of antibiotic
resistance highlight the urgent need for effective interventions such as antibiotic stewardship
programs, strict infection control measures, and increased awareness among healthcare
professionals, especially nurses who play a key role in monitoring antibiotic use and patient
outcomes. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a Nurses’ Empowerment on nurses’
compliance with Antibiotic Stewardship practices. Methods: Quasi experimental research design
was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among 60 nurses, with 30 in the control group
and 30 in the intervention group working in selected hospital units. Observational checklist was
used to assess nurses ‘compliance before and after the nurses empowerment program. The Nurses’
Empowerment Program included structured teaching sessions and educational materials related to
antibiotic stewardship practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics,
including the Chi-square test. Results: The pre-test findings revealed that most nurses in both
groups had moderate compliance (Control: 53.3%, Study: 56.7%), with none in the good
category. In posttest compliance improved markedly in the study group, with 73.3% achieving
good compliance compared to only 23.3% in the control group. Conclusion: The study concluded
that the Nurses’ Empowerment Program regarding Antibiotic Stewardship was effective in
improving nurses’ compliance with antibiotic stewardship practices. Nurses in the intervention
group demonstrated significantly higher post-test compliance scores compared to the control
group. The findings highlight the importance of continuous education and empowerment
programs in promoting appropriate antibiotic use, strengthening infection control practices, and
supporting efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.