Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding

Background and aim: Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional descriptive design, focusing on Saudi residents in different locations who are at least 18 years old. Informed consent was obtained, and ethical approval of the study was granted by Taif University. An online self-administered questionnaire that underwent expert validation and a pilot study to ensure clarity and reliability was distributed via social media platforms to collect data. The IBM SPSS version 25 was used for statistical analyses, applying both descriptive and inferential approaches at a significance level of Results: A total of 1,482 participants were included in this study. The findings indicated low knowledge and moderate attitude and practice levels, with mean scores of 55.5, 64.2, and 66.7% for knowledge, attitudes and practices, respectively. Several knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding treatment, where a considerable proportion of the participants incorrectly believed that antibiotics or antacids alone are sufficient for treatment (48.4 and 45.3%, respectively). Participants generally demonstrated positive attitudes, while practices showed some inappropriate behaviors, including self-medication and early discontinuation of antibiotics. Significant associations were observed between KAP domains and several sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: This study underscores the need to improve the KAP regarding