Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae

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.