Objectives The inappropriate use of antibiotics is a critical global health issue. The lack of antimicrobial stewardship exposes the community to unwarranted medication and contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the perceptions and practice of physicians and pharmacists at primary healthcare centres of Qatar with respect to antibiotic misuse. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 226 physicians and 82 pharmacists in primary health care centres. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used for data collection. Separate self-administered questionnaires were administered to physicians and pharmacists. Results Response rates for physicians and pharmacists were 97.8% and 100%, respectively. Both physicians (90.7%) and pharmacists (87.8%) perceived antibiotic misuse as a major public health issue. To prevent antibiotic misuse, most physicians and pharmacists reported a focus on patient education as well as good practices in their work. Conclusion This study provides novel evidence on the perceptions and practices of health professionals concerning antibiotic prescription in primary healthcare settings of Qatar.

Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics is a significant global health problem as it is contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antibiotic use among patients attending primary health care (PHC) centres in Qatar. Methods: 722 adult patients from the primary health care centres were recruited and a self-administered questionnaire was employed. Results: Regarding the knowledge, 69.9% of patients believed that completing the full course of antibiotics is a necessity. In addition, more than half of the interviewees believed that antibiotics are necessary to treat a sore throat or an ear infection. Interestingly, regarding the practice, more than half (54.4%) of the interviewed patients often requested antibiotics as part of their treatment. Regarding the attitude, many patients (87.2%) pressured physicians to be given an antibiotic. Conclusions: This study revealed that patients often have inadequate knowledge about antibiotic use, which affects their attitude and practice. Thus, educating patients may reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and resistance in the community.