Background: Cadres play an important part in providing community-based education. This study developed and assessed an education program for cadres in Malang, Indonesia, as 'change agents' to promote rational antibiotic use.
Methods: In-depth-interviews with stakeholders (N = 55) and a subsequent group discussion with key personnel (N = 5) were conducted to develop a relevant education tool for cadres. This was followed with a pilot study with cadres (N = 40) to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of the new tool.
Results: Consensus was reached on the education tool media: an audio-recording (containing full information) with a pocketbook (containing key information) as a supplement. A pilot study on the new tool reported its effectiveness in improving knowledge (p < 0.001) and demonstrated a high acceptability (all respondents stated 'Strongly Agree' or 'Agree' on all statements).
Conclusion: This study has created a model for an education tool which can potentially be implemented for cadres to educate their communities about antibiotics in the Indonesian context.
Keywords: antibiotic; cadre; community-based approach; education.