ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: NURSES’ PERCEPTION

Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as a serious global public health problem, especially in the context of Healthcare-Associated Infections, compromising treatment effectiveness and contributing to increased mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing cancer treatment. Nursing professionals play a crucial role in preventing antimicrobial resistance. However, they need better training and adoption of effective practices to face this challenge more efficiently. To uncover nurses’ perceptions of antimicrobial resistance. This is a qualitative study conducted with nurses in a municipality in northern Paraná. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using the snowball method, guided by the question: “What is your perception about antimicrobial resistance?”. Data analysis was performed using Bardin, and the study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under CAAE 83264824.0.0000.5217 and opinion 7.194.748. Ten nurses participated, aged 25 to 56 years, 90% female and 10% male. Time since graduation ranged from 1 year and 3 months to 28 years. In addition, of the 10 interviewed nurses, 8 had postgraduate degrees. Data analysis generated three categories from the reports: perception of antimicrobial resistance, prevention measures, and professional training. The study points to the need to train nurses to combat antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the importance of preventive measures, rational antimicrobial use, and curriculum review in nursing courses to improve clinical practice and patient safety.