J Glob Antimicrob Resist. 2021 Mar 28:S2213-7165(21)00079-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.03.013. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
STUDY OBJECTIVE: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major health concern worldwide. To rationalize antibiotic use, community pharmacist plays an important role. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions and practices of community pharmacists regarding antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Lahore, Pakistan.
METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Lahore, Pakistan from November 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Nonprobability convenient sampling was done to select community pharmacies. Descriptive statistics were applied and Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare independent groups by using SPSS version 20.0.P-value less than0.05 was considered statistically significant. Perception and practice scores were determined to access community pharmacist knowledge regarding antimicrobial stewardship. The score of 0.5-1 was considered to be very good.
RESULTS: The overall response rate was 71 %. Gender, age, work experience and education level did not significantly influence the perception and practices of the community pharmacist. Experienced pharmacist showed better response towards antibiotic stewardship. Majority of the pharmacists strongly agreed that they educate patients on the use of antimicrobial and resistance-related issues.
CONCLUSION: It was concluded that community pharmacists in Lahore, Pakistan, have good perception regarding AMS and they are practicing it well. But there are few gaps in their practices that must be filled such as dispensing without prescription and dispensing for duration more than prescribed. In addition, there should be strict implantation of guidelines for dispensing antibiotics in order to rationalize antibiotic use and decreasing antibiotic resistance.
PMID:33789207 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgar.2021.03.013
